What happened
On July 1, 2000, a Pilatus PC-6 B2-H2 Turbo-Porter, registered F-GOCC, was performing parachute jumps at the private aerodrome AD Bouloc. Following the completion of three jumps, the pilot commenced the landing approach. While the initial touchdown on runway 10 was normal, the aircraft subsequently drifted to the right. Over the course of approximately one hundred meters, the aircraft veered off the runway and struck a ditch located near the edge of the paved surface. The impact caused the right wing and the elevator to strike the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's maneuvers during the final approach and the prevailing meteorological conditions. At the time of the accident, winds were estimated to be between 08 and 10 knots from a direction of 180° to 220°. The pilot reported observing a crosswind during the final approach and attempted to compensate by applying full left rudder and right aileron. The pilot also estimated the wind speed to be between 10 and 15 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a torn right aileron and damage to the right wing tip and the elevator.
- The investigation established that the insufficient compensation for wind effects led to the loss of directional control on the runway.
- Although the pilot attempted corrective inputs, the aircraft could not be maintained on the runway centerline.