Ground loop causes damage to Piper PA-22 during landing in France

Casualties unknown • AD Rouen-Vallée de Seine (76 Seine-Maritime), France, CH

A private Piper PA-22 experienced a ground loop during its landing roll at Rouen-Vallée de Seine Airport, resulting in serious damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On August 28, 2023, at approximately 14:15 local time, a Piper Aircraft Corporation, PA-22 "150", registered as HB-OTR, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The aircraft departed from Belle-Ile Airfield (LFEA) in France, bound for Rouen Vallée de Seine Airport (LFOP).

Upon arriving at the destination, the aircraft entered its landing roll. During this phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a ground loop. The maneuver resulted in serious damage to the airframe. No injuries were reported, and there were no third-party involvements or ground collisions.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) provided notification of the accident, which took place on French territory. As the occurrence involved a French aerodrome, the French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA) is responsible for conducting the formal investigation into the circumstances of the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, leading to significant structural damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-08-27 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-22-150 accident near AD Rouen-Vallée de Seine (76 Seine-Maritime), France, CH?

A private Piper PA-22 experienced a ground loop during its landing roll at Rouen-Vallée de Seine Airport, resulting in serious damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-08-27 involved a PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-22-150, registration HB-OTR, at AD Rouen-Vallée de Seine (76 Seine-Maritime), France, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, leading to significant structural damage.

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