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Accident to the Socata TB20 registered F-HMOL on 05/10/2024 at Annemasse

Hard landing, rupture of nose gear, runway veer-off

Responsible entity

France - BEA

Investigation progression Closed
Progress: 100%

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.

1. HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT

The pilot took off from runway 30 of Annemasse aerodrome for a local flight of around 30 min. On coming back, he joined the downwind leg for runway 30. He indicated that on final, the aeroplane was stabilised with the flaps in the landing configuration and at a standard speed of 75 kt. He added that there was a crosswind of around 10 kt. He explained that, on short final, he was surprised by a gust which made the aeroplane deviate to the left before touching down hard on the runway. The nose gear collapsed and then the aeroplane veered off the runway. It ran in the grass along the side of the runway, at a few metres from the edge, before coming to a stop at around 300 m from the runway 30 threshold. The three blades of the propeller were twisted.

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The 73-year-old pilot held an aeroplane Private Pilot Licence (PPL (A)) issued in 2004. He had logged 737 flight hours, including 11 hours on type in the three months prior to the accident.

The 16:20 and 16:50 METARs for Geneva airport (situated at 13 km from Annemasse aerodrome) indicated a north-easterly wind at 8 kt.

February 2025