What happened
On March 20, 2011, a private Piper PA2SB-201T, registration F-GKCB, was conducting a flight from Valence to Aubenas. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. As the aircraft entered the traffic pattern at Aubenas, the pilot noted a north-easterly wind direction and prepared for an approach to runway 36. During the approach, the pilot deployed flaps and reduced the airspeed to approximately 85 knots.
During the flare maneuver, a sudden crosswind gust deflected the aircraft from its intended centerline. Although the aircraft touched down on the paved runway, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to exit the runway to the right approximately 400 meters past the threshold. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree located 60 meters from the edge of the runway, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the pilot's control inputs during the landing phase. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as CAVOK with a wind from 030° at 17 knots and gusts reaching 25 knots. The estimated crosswind component was 12 knots. The pilot had consulted Météo France for weather information prior to departure. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a PPL (A) SEP license held since 2005, with 335 total flight hours, 212 of which were on this aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inappropriate pilot control inputs during the flare phase while operating in turbulent atmospheric conditions.
- A significant crosswind component of 12 knots contributed to the lateral deviation from the runway centerline.