What happened
On 17 December 2019, a Robin DR40 and00-120, registration F-GJZH, was performing supervised solo training circuits at the Belfort - Chaux aerodrome. After completing an initial dual-command circuit, the student pilot proceeded to perform three solo circuits. During the final landing attempt, the aircraft bounced on the grass runway. Fearing the aircraft would overshoot the runway end, the pilot applied full throttle to initiate an aborted landing.
As the aircraft began its initial climb, it veered to the left and struck a tree located approximately 235 meters from the end of the runway. Following the impact, the aircraft entered a left roll and overturned on the ground. The student pilot sustained slight injuries, and the aeroplane was destroyed.
The investigation
The BEA examined the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's actions during the critical phase of flight. Investigators found that the aircraft's flaps were still set in the landing configuration, and the carburetor heat control was partially engaged at the time of the accident. Witnesses on the ground noted that the engine was not producing full power during the climb. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training history, noting that while the student had logged significant dual-command hours, he had only 10 minutes of supervised solo flight time prior to this occurrence.
Findings
Several factors led to the collision. The primary cause was the insufficient climb gradient resulting from the pilot's failure to reconfigure the aircraft for takeoff. By attempting the go-around with the flaps in the landing position and the carburetor heat engaged, the pilot significantly degraded the aircraft's performance. This prevented the plane from clearing obstacles at the edge of the aerodrome.
Contributing factors included:
- A lack of sufficient understanding regarding proper balked landing recovery techniques.
- Potential pilot fatigue following a series of consecutive flight circuits.
- Uncontrolled engine effects that induced a steep left turn during the climb.