What happened
On the evening of August 1, 1999, a private Piper PA-28-236 departed from Môtiers aerodrome accompanied by two passengers. After a brief stop in Bex, the pilot initiated the return flight at 17:54 local time. Approaching Môtiers from the south, the pilot opted to use runway 23 due to a light southeast crosswind. During the final turn, the pilot deployed full flaps, noting that the perpendicular wind had slightly increased in strength.
The aircraft touched down approximately 50 meters past the runway threshold. This initial contact was followed by a bounce, which resulted in a heavy impact on the nose wheel. Despite the application of wheel brakes, the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently. In an attempt to steer the plane to the left before the end of the runway, the pilot applied significant rudder pressure, but the aircraft continued straight. The plane exited the grass runway, crossed a path at the edge of the airfield, and came to rest in a stream bed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the site conditions at the Môtiers aerodrome, which features a grass runway measuring 506 meters for landings toward runway 23. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's weight and balance were within prescribed limits and that all maintenance and registration documents were valid. The pilot held a valid private pilot license.
Physical evidence at the scene showed the nose wheel impact mark occurred near the middle of the runway, with debris from the nose wheel fairing scattered nearby. While the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and right wing tip, the occupants of the Piper PA-28-236 remained uninjured. Post-accident inspections confirmed that the wheel brakes were functioning normally and no technical malfunctions were reported during the flight.
Findings
- The descent during the final approach phase was unstable.
- The aircraft experienced excessive speed at the runway threshold.
- A high rate of descent was likely caused by a late flare.
- The pilot continued the landing attempt following a significant bounce.