What happened
On November 20, 2011, at 10:50 local time, a Piper PA 28-161 Warrior, registration F-GDAT, was completing a 40-minute local flight at the Nouméa Magenta aerodrome. The pilot, accompanied by three passengers, was established on the final approach for runway 17 with an indicated airspeed of 70 knots. Air traffic control reported a wind from 90 degrees at 8 knots, with gusts up and to 12 knots.
The aircraft touched down approximately 300 meters past the runway threshold and experienced a bounce. Upon the second touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left, exited the runway laterally, and collided with a signpost. The aircraft came to a rest approximately 70 meters further along the path. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot reported feeling a wind gust during the initial bounce and a second gust immediately after the second touchdown. Despite applying flight controls and brakes, the pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from losing directional control.
Investigators examined the aerodrome's wind measurement systems. It was noted that the anemometer tower at Magenta is partially shielded from easterly winds by hangars and trees, which can lead to discrepancies between the station readings and the actual wind felt at the runway. While the windsock at the threshold of runway 17 remains unobstructed, pilots at this aerodrome are aware that east wind readings may vary. The pilot, holding a PPL(A) since 2009 with 80 total flight hours, was familiar with the aerodrome.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's insufficient management of crosswind effects during the landing phase.
- An underestimation of the actual wind strength, potentially caused by the aerodrome's wind measurement system, may have contributed to the pilot's error in judgment.