What happened
On 10 April 2022, a Robin DR400-120, registered F-GXYZ, departed from runway 24 at Saint-Brieuc – Armor airport for a scheduled cross-country cost-shared flight. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and two passengers. During the initial climb, an observer noted the aircraft maintaining a steep nose-up attitude with low vertical speed. While the aircraft appeared to gain speed and reduce its pitch, it subsequently stalled and collided with the ground approximately 400 meters beyond the runway 06 threshold. The impact, which occurred roughly 200 meters north of the runway axis, resulted in three fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's performance, the pilot's recent experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of departure. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that the landing gear had ruptured and the engine was embedded in the ground. Analysis of the flight controls and instrument panel suggested that the flaps had likely been retracted prior to the collision. The engine speedometer indicated that the engine was operating at approximately 2,400 RPM at the moment of impact, consistent with takeoff power.
Further examination of the pilot's records revealed that while the pilot held a valid medical certificate and various ratings, his recent flight experience was significantly lower than the flying club's specific requirements for conducting cost-shared flights via the Wingly platform. Additionally, the investigation looked into the pilot's physiological state, noting he had recently returned from a long-distance flight from the French West Indies.