What happened
On January 25, 2003, a Piper PA 28 R 201 (registration F-GGRX) was conducting a flight from Cannes to Grenoble le Versoud. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the pilot diverted to Gap Aerodrome. Upon arriving at the circuit, the pilot noted that other aircraft were using runway 21 despite the wind direction indicated by the windsock. After observing significant wind shifts, the pilot elected to follow the circuit pattern of an aircraft operating in a tailwind configuration for runway 21.
During the base leg, the pilot delayed the descent to avoid terrain and potential turbulence. As the aircraft entered the final approach, it was significantly above the glide path and crossing the threshold at approximately 80 knots, which exceeded the recommended approach speed of 72 knots for maximum weight. The aircraft landed relatively flat on the descending runway.
During the landing roll, the aircraft drifted to the right. The pilot applied rudder corrections and braking to realign with the runway centerline. Fearing the aircraft would overshoot the end of the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around but failed to set the flaps to the takeoff position. This caused the aircraft to skid to the left. The aircraft eventually exited the runway at the second third of the strip, crossing onto an adjacent unpaved runway. The nose gear collapsed upon striking the runway markings. The passenger attempted to assist by applying the brakes shortly before the aircraft came to a stop. There were no fatalities among the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight sequence, the pilot's decision-making during the approach, and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the excursion. Investigators examined the aircraft's speed at touchdown, the configuration of the flaps during the go-around, and the impact of the wind conditions on the pilot's choice of runway and approach profile.