Jodel D140 Off-Runway Excursion During Training at Megève Altiport (F-PMGV)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On July 24, 2012, at approximately 12:00 local time, a Jodel D140 Mousquetaire with registration F-PMGV experienced a lateral runway excursion during a training flight at the Megève Altiport in France. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, with the main landing gear being torn off as it came to rest on an embankment. The operator was identified as a flying club. ## Operational Context and Runway Characteristics The incident occurred on a paved runway measuring 434 meters by 18 meters, with a slope ranging from 7% to 9.3%. The VAC chart mandated landings on QFU 154 (uphill) and takeoffs on QFU 334 (downhill). The instructor and student pilot had just completed a mountain training session at Méribel, where the student had made two landings. Upon returning to Megève, the student successfully completed a first landing on QFU 154. ## Accident Sequence and Contributing Factors During the second landing, the aircraft veered to the left at low speed during the rollout. The instructor attempted to counter the deviation using the right rudder and right brake but was unsuccessful. The instructor noted that the two previous landings at Megève had been flawless, which may have led to overconfidence. He also acknowledged that his corrective action was likely too late. A technical examination of the brakes by the club's workshop found no mechanical issues that could have contributed to the accident. ## Environmental and Personnel Factors Weather conditions at the site were estimated to have a northwesterly wind of 5 knots with gusts up to 15 knots and clear visibility (CAVOK). However, the instructor reported that the wind was calm at the time of the landing. The instructor had 4,350 total flight hours, including 71 on type. The student held a PPL license with 157 total hours, including 11 on type.