What happened
On May 22, 2012, a Robin DR400-160, registration F-HACT, was performing a return flight to the Tours Sorigny aerodrome. After completing several circuits and a flight to Tours Val de Loire, the pilot returned to Sorigny, establishing a downwind pattern for runway 22.
During the approach, the pilot noted a crosswind from the right. Just prior to the flare, the pilot applied left rudder to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. While the main landing gear made contact with the runway first, the aircraft immediately veered to the right upon the nosewheel making contact. Despite further left rudder inputs, the pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from exiting the paved surface. The aircraft came to a stop in a hedge approximately 40 meters from the runway edge and 300 meters from the displaced threshold. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the mechanical behavior of the aircraft's landing gear. At the time of the accident, meteorological reports indicated variable winds between 270° and 330° at 15 knots, with gusts reaching 27 knots. The pilot had estimated the crosswind at approximately 15 knots based on information from Tours Val de Loire but had not checked the windsock during the integration phase.
Technical analysis revealed that on this specific aircraft model, the nosewheel is linked to the rudder pedals when the shock absorber is compressed. In flight, when the shock absorber is extended, the nosewheel is automatically unlocked and centered along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the runway excursion:
- The pilot failed to update their understanding of the wind conditions during the integration phase, specifically missing the presence of significant gusts.
- The pilot's corrective rudder inputs were insufficient to unlock the nosewheel from its steering configuration during the landing roll.
- The aircraft's high speed and the remaining runway length provided very little time for recovery once the deviation began.
- The aircraft traveled over wet grass, which reduced the effectiveness of the braking.