Accident to the Jodel DR1050 registered F-BKHF on 24/07/2013 at Quiberon aerodrome (56)

Note: The following information is principally based on the pilot’s statement. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation published in April 2020. As accurate as the translation may be, the original text in French is the work of reference.

1 - History of the flight

Coming from Guiscriff Scaër aerodrome[1], the aircraft was on a stabilized path on final approach to Quiberon aerodrome. On short final, the pilot indicated that he reduced speed to maintain 110 km/h. Shortly after a three-point landing on the centreline and at the threshold of runway 11, the right wing lifted slightly. The pilot applied a control stick input to the right in order to counter the roll. The aircraft's path then deviated from the runway centreline and the pilot reacted by using the rudder pedals. After two or three swerves countered by the pilot, the aircraft veered to the right off the runway and came to rest in the grass after a ground loop to the right. The main landing gear collapsed.

2 - Additional information

2.1 Pilot's experience and statement

The pilot, holder of a private pilot licence, aeroplane PPL(A), has been co-owner of the F-BKHF, based at Nogaro aerodrome[2] since October 2011. He had logged about 40 flight hours on this aircraft, including about 20 hours in the last three months and had made a flight two days before the accident lasting 2 hours and 40 minutes, with stopovers between Nogaro and Guiscriff Scaër aerodromes.

2.2 Aircraft Information

The flight manual indicates that, at the maximum aircraft weight of 780 kg, the final approach speed is 115 km/h. It states that, for crosswind landings, the risk of a runway veer-off on a paved runway is greater than on a grass runway because of the strong grip of the tires, which prevents any slippage.

2.3 Weather Information

At 15:00 and 15:30, the Lorient Lann Bihoué aerodrome METARs located 22 NM northwest of Quiberon aerodrome indicated west-southwest winds, varying from 200 to 270°, with a maximum strength of 10 kt.

2.4 Aerodrome Information

Quiberon aerodrome is an AFIS aerodrome with a 775 m long and 25 m wide paved runway 11/29. A displaced threshold is present on runway 11 and reduces the landing distance available to 674 m.