What happened
On April 10, 1969, a private training flight involving a Beechcraft Musketeer Sport III, registration HB-ENO, concluded with a landing accident at Colombier airfield. The flight, which originated from a trip to La Chaux-de-Fonds, was conducted under clear weather conditions with good visibility.
During the final approach to runway 05, the pilot maintained an indicated airspeed of approximately 80 mph, which was higher than the speeds recommended in the aircraft flight manual. Upon touchdown, the aircraft initially contacted the runway about 100 meters from the threshold but immediately bounced approximately two meters into the air. The pilot attempted to correct the situation with power, but the engine response was delayed, leading to a second bounce. Subsequent attempts to stabilize the aircraft resulted in a third bounce. Following this third impact, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to a halt 60 meters along the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the sequence of the landing. The pilot was a licensed private pilot with significant experience on the Musketeer type. The aircraft, owned by the Club neuchâtelois d'aviation, was properly registered and maintained, with no evidence of mechanical failure contributing to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the flight manual specifications, noting that the approach speed used was higher than the standard 74 mph recommended for 35° flaps.
Findings
- The pilot utilized an approach speed exceeding the manufacturer's recommended values.
- The landing sequence involved a series of three progressively higher bounces.
- The pilot's use of the elevator to correct the aircraft's pitch during the bounces was deemed too abrupt and poorly timed.
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient landing technique.