What happened
On October 26, 2002, a Pilatus PC 12-45, registered HB-FOP, was performing training maneuvers at Saint-Barthélemy airport in France. The flight was being conducted by a pilot accompanied by an instructor to obtain airport-specific authorization. After completing a circuit and landing on runway 10, the aircraft departed again to land on runway 28.
During the approach to runway 28, the pilot configured the flaps to 15°. Upon attempting to extend the flaps to 40°, an overspeed alarm sounded, indicating the aircraft's speed exceeded the safe limit for that flap setting. Despite the high speed, the pilot continued the approach. The aircraft touched down mid-runway with excessive ground speed. While attempting to use brakes and reverse thrust, the aircraft drifted left, causing the left main gear to leave the runway. The aircraft eventually exited the runway at the end of the pavement and came to a stop against an embankment.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's systems, the flight crew's actions, and the environmental conditions. Investigators found that the aircraft was operating with a significant tailwind, which increased the ground speed during the landing. The investigation also looked into the flap mechanism, noting that a 1-amp circuit breaker had tripped, though the flaps were found to be functional upon post-accident inspection.
Analysis of the aircraft's flight data and manufacturer information suggested that the pilot's decision to continue the approach despite the overspeed warning was a critical factor. The investigation also noted that the instructor, while experienced, did not hold the specific type rating for the PC 12, meaning they could not take control of the aircraft during the maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot's decision to continue an unstabilized approach despite being in the final stages of flight where a go-around was prohibited by local airport regulations.
- A significant tailwind contributed to an excessive ground speed upon touchdown.
- The pilot's excessive confidence in the aircraft's ability to decelerate contributed to the failure to execute a safer approach.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including a broken nose gear, damaged wings, and a damaged propeller.