Accident to the Pilatus PC12 registered OO-PCN on 17/02/2024 at Courchevel

The pilot-in-command, accompanied by a co-pilot, lined up for final approach to land at Courchevel mountain airfield, where he planned to pick up passengers. All along the final approach, the speed was stabilised at 85 kt, corresponding to the reference speed for the PC-12 at Courchevel in the absence of wind. The pilot started the descent late. This forced him to adopt a steeper slope than the 5% slope recommended in the absence of wind with an aiming point corresponding to the middle of the bank located below the runway threshold. At 0.75 NM from the runway threshold, the aeroplane passed below the slope. The pilot then reduced the aeroplane’s vertical speed and continued the approach below the slope. At 0.13 NM, the aeroplane passed below the runway threshold altitude. As the aeroplane approached the threshold, the pilot simultaneously substantially increased the aeroplane’s attitude and reduced the engine power to idle. The landing gears collided with the bank.