What happened
On August 1, 2014, a DR400-120 (registration F-GTZH) was performing a circuit at Brest Guipavas airport with a pilot and two passengers. The pilot, intending to assess weather conditions, decided to perform the circuit despite deteriorating visibility and cloud cover.
During the approach to runway 25L, the pilot increased the approach speed by 10 km/h to account for a reported 12-knot crosswind. While the aircraft landed approximately 600 meters past the threshold, the pilot noted the aircraft began drifting to the left. In an attempt to correct the trajectory, the pilot applied full power for a go-around. However, the aircraft's speed was below 80 km/h at the time of the application, and the propeller's slipstream effect further pushed the aircraft to the left.
Unable to maintain the centerline, the pilot reduced power and steered the aircraft toward a dirt path parallel to the runway. During this maneuver, the left wing struck a runway sign located 90 meters from the centerline, resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the pilot's techniques, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the environmental conditions. The investigation focused on why the aircraft lost directional control and why the go-around attempt failed to keep the aircraft on the runway.
Investigators reviewed the aircraft's history, noting that F-GTZH had a documented history of nosewheel issues, including previous runway excursions and mechanical adjustments to the nosewheel assembly. The investigation also looked into the pilot's decision-making regarding landing configurations and the impact of recent training on other aircraft types on his handling of the DR400-120.