What happened
On November 18, 2012, a student pilot was conducting a solo instructional flight from Albertville to the Sallanches Mont Blanc aerodrome. The flight was being monitored by another club pilot flying a separate ultralight.
While approaching runway 35, the pilot entered the traffic pattern on a downwind leg. During the final approach, the pilot reported a speed of approximately 100 km/h and noted turbulent atmospheric conditions. Although the pilot recognized that the aircraft was too high on the glidepath, no corrective maneuvers were performed to adjust the descent. As the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot determined that it was too late to execute a go-around and proceeded with the landing.
The Tecnam P92 touched down approximately 450 meters past the runway threshold. Upon applying heavy braking, the left wheel locked, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. The aircraft exited the side of the runway and collided with trees located outside the runway safety area. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the mechanical state of the aircraft. Investigators examined the braking system of the 74-VX and found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The pilot, a 17-year-old with 40 total flight hours on this type, had completed five hours of flight time in the preceding three months, though no flight had been conducted in the 24 hours prior to the accident.