Accident to the Robin DR400 140B registered F-GMAF on 16/08/2019 at Couhé Vérac

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

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

1 - HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT

The pilot took off from Royan Médis aerodrome, and after about an hour's flight, arrived overhead the Couhé Vérac aerodrome facilities to evaluate the conditions. He joined the downwind leg for runway 02[1]. On landing, the aircraft bounced twice. The main landing gear collapsed, the aircraft slid on its belly and came to a stop on the runway.

2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

2.1 Pilot's experience and statement

The pilot, who holds a PPL and SEP[2] licence, had logged 184 flight hours since 2009, including eight hours in the previous three months. He had flown 183 hours on the DR400.

He indicated that, while evaluating the conditions, the windsock seemed to be vertical. He was surprised to find that on final there was a slight tailwind component. He added that his speed on short final was excessive.

2.2 Weather information

The weather conditions estimated by the pilot were as follows: wind 220° for 8 knots, visibility over 10 km, few clouds at 3000 ft.

3 - CONCLUSION

On evaluating the aerodrome’s conditions, the pilot thought that there was no wind. An excessive approach speed and a tailwind component made the flare phase difficult to perform. He believed that a go-around would have allowed him to land under better conditions.