Accident to the Piper PA28 registered F-GIVA on 28/09/2024 at Saint-François

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

Note: the following information is principally based on the pilot’s statement. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA. Footage recorded by a security camera situated on the aerodrome apron was also viewed.

1. HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT
The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, took off from Marie-Galante aerodrome. After a flight time of around 30 min, he joined the Saint-François aerodrome circuit. The final approach for runway 11 was carried out on a shallow slope. During the flare, the left wing touched low vegetation situated at around 40 m from the runway threshold. The aeroplane violently pivoted around the left wing tip and came to a stop on the runway.

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

2.1 Saint-François aerodrome
Saint-François aerodrome has a paved runway 11/29 measuring 584 m long and 20 m wide. It is situated on the south side of Guadeloupe, at about 300 m from the coast.

2.2 Pilot information
The 69-year-old pilot held a PPL with a SEP rating. He had logged a total of 370 flight hours including 10 hours on type and 4 hours in the month preceding the accident. 

2.3 Meteorological information
The reported meteorological conditions were the following: easterly wind of 10 kt, CAVOK conditions.

2.4 Analysis of security camera recording
The security camera footage showed that the aeroplane arrived on a very shallow slope. The flight path ended at a point some forty metres short of the runway. After striking low vegetation, the a
 

April 2025