What happened
On April 3, 2009, a SOCATA Rallye 150 ST, registration F-BXTS, was performing a local flight from Villefranche Tarare to the La Croix-Rozier altisurface. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, approached the landing site by performing a low-altitude flyover to assess the runway condition and wind direction, as the wind was difficult to determine.
During the final approach, the pilot noted a light tailwind. However, the pilot's attention was momentarily diverted by a vehicle traveling on a road located below the runway. Upon refocusing on the landing, the pilot realized the aircraft was above the required glide path and that the available landing distance had significantly decreased. The aircraft touched down on the first break in the runway slope. In an attempt to regain directional control and steer the aircraft toward the platform, the pilot increased engine power to improve rudder effectiveness, but was unable to prevent a longitudinal excursion. The aircraft eventually collided with trees at a high rate of speed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's actions during the approach. Investigators noted that the runway at La Croix-Rozier, a 220m x 18m strip, had a 14% slope. The investigation also reviewed the airfield's equipment, noting that the windsock was unusable at the time of the accident. Additionally, records from the AFPM indicated that the runway entrance was obstructed by tree stumps, limiting usable space.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a diversion of attention away from monitoring the aircraft's flight path during the final approach.
- A contributing factor was the presence of a tailwind during the landing.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage during the collision with trees.