What happened
On May 16, 2004, at 18:30, a Robin DR 400-140 B, registration F-GJQV, was performing a local flight at Millau aerodrome. The aircraft was returning from a 30-minute flight when the pilot approached the airfield, estimating a wind from 030° at approximately 20 knots. The pilot entered the landing circuit for runway 32 on a downwind leg.
During the landing phase, the pilot attempted to compensate for the crosswind component by applying right aileron and full left rudder. While the aircraft initially maintained its path, less than 100 meters after touchdown, the aircraft's trajectory veered sharply to the right. The aircraft exited the runway, crossed the paved safety area, and struck the aerodrome perimeter fence located 35 meters from the runway edge before coming to rest in a nearby field. The impact caused heavy damage to the propeller, wing, and fairings.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's movement on the runway and the prevailing meteorological conditions. Analysis of the tracks left on the runway indicated that the left wheel made contact with the ground first and bore the primary load during the loss of control. Tire marks and runway traces further revealed that the aircraft was skidding with the nose pointed into the wind. These findings suggest that while the pilot was applying left rudder, the right wing likely lifted at the onset of the excursion.
Meteorological data recorded at the site indicated winds from 010° at 21 knots, with gusts reaching 35 knots. The conditions were characterized by moderate turbulence, likely caused by strong winds interacting with the surrounding hills.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the insufficient compensation for the effects of the crosswind.
- The aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit is 22 knots, and the recorded gusts of 35 knots exceeded the safe operating parameters for the aircraft type.
- Significant turbulence generated by the local terrain made maintaining directional control during landing particularly difficult for a pilot with limited experience in this specific aircraft type.