What happened
On June 11, 2011, at 08:20 local time, a Morane-Saulnier MS880 Rallye, registration F-BRDQ, was performing a takeoff roll on runway 16 at Dzaoudzi Aerodrome. The pilot intended to conduct a local flight followed by circuit patterns. During the application of power and the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder, but was unable to maintain the centerline, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and come to a stop in a drainage ditch. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
Shortly before the incident, at 08:16, an Airbus A330 had landed on runway 16 and performed a turnaround on taxiway 34. While the A330 was clearing the runway via taxiway Alpha, the Rallye was entering and taxiing up runway 16 to align for departure.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the mechanical characteristics of the aircraft. At the time of the accident, the wind was recorded at 090° with a strength between 6 and 8 knots. Investigators examined the impact of wake turbulence, noting that heavy aircraft like the A330 generate significant vortices that can spread laterally upon reaching the ground. With a crosswind component of approximately 5 knots, these vortices can remain on the runway surface.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the steering mechanics of the Morane-Saulnier MS880. Unlike aircraft with a nosewheel linked to the rudder, the nosewheel on this model is an independent unit, making ground maneuverability more difficult. The pilot's experience was also reviewed; the pilot had obtained their basic license only one month prior to the accident and had a total of 86 flight hours, with 14 hours flown solo.