Runway Excursion and Incursion During Touch-and-Go at Saint-Cyr-l’Ecole

Casualties unknown • :, FR

A pilot performing touch-and-go maneuvers in a Robin DR 221 veered off the runway and entered an active taxiway and another runway due to improper technique and insufficient flight experience.

What happened

On May 24, 2006, a Robin DR 221 was performing circuit patterns at the Saint-Cंyr-l’Ecole aerodrome. During the first circuit, the pilot attempted a touch-and-go maneuver on runway 30 right. As the aircraft approached the threshold, the pilot noted excessive altitude and airspeed, compounded by turbulence. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied maximum power while maintaining the control column in the full aft and windward position.

Immediately following the application of power, the aircraft drifted to the left. The pilot failed to adjust the carburetor heat or flap settings during the maneuver. Despite attempts to correct the heading using the right rudder, the aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway, crossed a taxiway, and entered the unpaved runway 30 left. The pilot only realized the danger of the runway incursion while crossing the taxiway, at which point they corrected the flight path and successfully completed the takeoff.

The investigation

The investigation established that the aircraft's heading was already misaligned with the runway centerline at the moment of touchdown. The application of high power amplified the leftward drift due to propeller torque and P-factor. The investigators also noted that the pilot was not fully aware of the positions of other aircraft in the circuit, specifically an aircraft on final approach to runway 30 left, and was uncertain if that runway was occupied during the excursion.

Findings

  • The pilot utilized inappropriate visual references during the initial flare, leading to a touchdown that was not aligned with the runway axis.
  • The leftward deviation was significantly exacerbated by the sudden increase in engine power.
  • The pilot failed to implement necessary technical adjustments, such as managing carburetor heat or flap configuration, during the high-workload phase of the touch-and-go.
  • The pilot's recent flight experience was limited, having only one hour and 15 minutes of flight time in the preceding six months, and the last time acting as pilot-in-command was in October 2005.
  • The decision to fly was made without mobilizing the necessary resources or preparation to compensate for the pilot's lack of recent experience in the aircraft and the prevailing turbulent conditions.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the runway excursion was the pilot's improper technique during a touch-and-go maneuver, specifically failing to maintain centerline alignment and manage engine power effects, compounded by a lack of recent flight experience and insufficient preparation for the weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-05-24 INCIDENT 24 mai 2006 - avion accident near :, FR?

A pilot performing touch-and-go maneuvers in a Robin DR 221 veered off the runway and entered an active taxiway and another runway due to improper technique and insufficient flight experience.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-05-24 involved a INCIDENT 24 mai 2006 - avion, at :, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the runway excursion was the pilot's improper technique during a touch-and-go maneuver, specifically failing to maintain centerline alignment and manage engine power effects, compounded by a lack of recent flight experience and insufficient preparation for the weather conditions.

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