What happened
On Sunday, July 4, at 16:15, a private Robin HR 100-210 D (registration F-GJDO) was performing a flight for travel purposes when it exited the end of the runway at the La Motte-Chalançon altiport. The aircraft was landing on an unpaved runway measuring 285 by 30 meters, which features a moderate 12% slope.
Following a reconnaissance of the airfield, the pilot initiated the final approach for runway 03. During this phase, the aircraft was traveling at a high speed and encountering a strong tailwind. The pilot realized too late that the landing roll would be excessive for the remaining runway length. The aircraft's wheels made contact with the surface in the final third of the runway, leading to the excursion. To avoid a frontal collision with a tree, the pilot executed a left turn, causing the aircraft to come to a stop on an embankment. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the pilot's experience, noting the pilot had 1,343 total flight hours, including 158 hours on this specific type. Meteorological data recorded at the site indicated a South-Southwest wind of 10 knots with gusts uperting to 20 knots, with visibility between 15 and 25 km and developing thunderstorm activity later in the afternoon.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was an unstabilized final approach.
- The pilot's approach was characterized by excessive speed and a significant tailwind component.
- The late realization of the landing distance required contributed to the aircraft reaching the end of the runway.