What happened
On Tuesday, April 22, 2003, a Robin DR 100 A aircraft, registered F-BJCL, was performing a private flight from Pithiviers to Cosne-sur-Loire for maintenance purposes. Upon approaching the airfield, the pilot entered the left-hand traffic pattern to land on runway 12, noting a light southeasterly wind from the windsock.
During the initial approach, the pilot performed a go-around after determining the aircraft's speed was too high for a safe landing distance. On the second approach, the aircraft remained stabilized on the runway centerline. However, as the pilot flared and the engines were idled, the aircraft touched down at the beginning of the runway and immediately veered sharply to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder, but the input was ineffective. In an attempt to regain control, the pilot applied full power for a second go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted 70 degrees off the runway axis, struck a ditch approximately 40 meters from the runway, and slid on its belly until it came to a stop against an embankment.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight sequence and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state and found no technical anomalies. Analysis of the tire marks on the runway indicated that the aircraft made contact with the ground at a heading of approximately 140 degrees, with the right wheel mark extending for about 15 meters.
Meteorological data showed a wind from 050 degrees at 4 knots, with gusts up to 12 knots. Notably, the airfield's visual approach charts include a warning that east winds between 12 and 15 knots can create significant wind shear/downdrafts (rabattants) just before the runway threshold.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage, while the pilot sustained slight injuries.
- The primary cause of the excursion was inappropriate control inputs in response to irregular crosswind conditions.
- The pilot's rudder corrections were insufficient to counteract the sudden lateral deviation during the landing flare.