Incident to the Robin DR400 - 100 registered F-GGQP on 30/07/2015 at Châteauroux-Déols (Indre)

Cat. 3 investigation report: report concerning an occurrence with limited consequences, based on one or more statements not independently validated by the BEA.

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation published in October 2021. 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 statements made by the pilot. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

1 - HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT

The pilot took off from Poitiers-Biard aerodrome bound for Châteauroux-Déols aerodrome, to carry out the first segment of a 150 NM flight as part of his PPL(A) (private pilot licence, aeroplane) training. On arrival, the ATC informed the pilot that he was number one for a straight-in approach to runway 03. Approaching from the south, the pilot flew around Châteauroux by following the by-pass and then performed a dog leg to line up on final. The controller informed him of a wind from 020° at 5 kt. During the landing run, the aeroplane deviated to the left. The pilot was unable to prevent the aeroplane from veering off the runway. The aeroplane ran onto the grass and collided with the PAPI. The pilot returned to the runway then to the apron, guided by the ATC and the aerodrome ARFF officers.

2 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The pilot indicated that on final for runway 03, with the aeroplane configured for landing, the remaining flight segment seemed short. He encountered turbulence which led him to increase engine power. He also perceived a crosswind. He described the final as "a bit hectic". He had considered aborting the approach, but as the flying conditions were calmer on short final, he decided to continue and land. On touchdown, the aeroplane veered to the left and the pilot was unable to bring it back to the runway centreline despite strong right rudder input.