What happened
On August 18, 2013, a Robin DR400-120, registered F-GGQM, was performing circuit patterns at the Mortagne-au-Perche aerodrome. After completing three touch-and-go landings, the pilot attempted a full landing on runway 25. During the final approach, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 130 km/h with landing flaps extended, initiating the flare at 110 km/h.
Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft experienced a sudden leftward veer. The deviation caused the aircraft to exit the side of the runway approximately 200 meters from the offset threshold. Although the pilot attempted to regain directional control using the rudder as the aircraft slowed, the aircraft could not be stopped before striking a fence located 58 meters from the runway centerline. The impact resulted in heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight parameters, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions. The pilot reported a southwest wind of 10 to 15 knots, which was stable and without turbulence. Meteorological observations from nearby aerodromes at 18:00 confirmed a wind between 200° and 250° at approximately 10 knots.
At the time of the excursion, the pilot had the control stick positioned into the wind and the elevator near neutral. The pilot noted that braking had not yet been applied when the veer occurred. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's flight manual, noting that the recommended approach speed in landing configuration is 110 km/h and the demonstrated crosswind limit is 22 knots. The pilot, a 47-year-old private pilot with approximately 170 total flight hours, had not operated this specific model for several years, aside from two recent short flights in May and August 2013.