What happened
On Saturday, July 13, 2002, at approximately 12:00, a Gazuit Valladeau GV 1031 amateur-built aircraft, registration F-PSSX, was conducting a flight instruction session at Issoire Aerodrome. The flight crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot. Following several touch-and-go maneuvers on runway 18, the student attempted a full landing using left-hand instruction. During the approach, the student performed a premature flare, causing the aircraft to glide for a short period before touching down mid-runway.
Recognizing that the aircraft would not stop before the end of the unpaved runway, the instructor took control and initiated a go-around. During the maneuver, the aircraft experienced a slow acceleration despite engine parameters remaining within normal limits. The instructor subsequently decided to abort the takeoff and applied the brakes. The aircraft ultimately exited the runway, coming to a stop approximately 15 meters beyond the runway threshold.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing and the subsequent go-around attempt. Investigators examined the runway conditions, noting that the surface was unpaved and had been affected by recent heavy rainfall. The investigation also reviewed the performance of the Gazuit Vall031 during the acceleration phase and the crew's decision-making process regarding the aborted takeoff.
Findings
The investigation established that the 0 fatalities and 0 injuries occurred alongside significant damage to the aircraft, specifically to the left main landing gear and the propeller. The primary factors contributing to the excursion were an insufficient consideration of the runway surface condition and a late decision to interrupt the go-around. The instructor noted that the delay in the aircraft's acceleration was unexpected, and the damp, softened ground caused by recent rain further complicated the braking and acceleration performance.