What happened
On January 10, 2021, a private Piper PA-28R-200, registration HB-OHW, was performing a local flight departing from La Côte Aerodrome. After a scenic flight over the Alps reaching altitudes of 14,200 ft, the aircraft returned for landing. During the final approach, the pilot noted the aircraft was too high for the desired descent profile and initiated a sideslip maneuver to lose altitude.
As the pilot attempted to recover from the sideslip just meters above the ground, a strong wind gust hit the aircraft. This gust caused the right wing to lift and induced a rapid loss of altitude, leaving the aircraft in a nose-high, left-banked attitude. The left landing gear struck a plowed field approximately 60 meters before the runway threshold. The impact caused the left gear to collapse and the wing structure to sustain heavy damage, eventually leading the aircraft to skid off the side of the runway.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's flight path, weather conditions, and the pilot's actions. The investigation utilized pilot statements, passenger video footage, and radar recordings. The inquiry focused on the mechanics of the sideslip recovery and the impact of meteorological conditions, specifically the presence of strong Bise winds and gusts of up to 21 knots. The investigation also looked into the physiological state of the crew, noting that the flight had exceeded one hour at altitudes above 10,000 ft without the use of supplemental oxygen.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unsuitable maneuver and a delayed pilot reaction during the final approach phase.
- The recovery from the sideslip caused the aircraft to pivot left, increasing lift on the right wing and creating a left bank.
- A strong gust from the front-right further increased the angle of incidence, leading to a sudden drop in altitude.
- The aircraft was operating with very low energy levels prior to the impact.
- The lack of supplemental oxygen during high-altitude flight may have caused fatigue, potentially influencing the pilot's performance.