Robin DR400-120 Excursion During Takeoff at Chauvigny

Casualties unknown • Chauvigny (86), FR

A Robin DR400-120 aircraft veered off the unpaved runway at Chauvigny Aerodrome after the pilot attempted to continue the takeoff roll beyond the runway end.

What happened

On November 22, 2014, a Robin DR400-120, registration F-GOKQ, was preparing for a local flight from Chauvigny Aerodrome with the pilot and two passengers on board. During the takeoff roll on runway 05, the pilot applied full power while holding the brakes before releasing them. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, it had not yet reached rotation speed.

Believing that the slight downward slope of the adjacent area would assist in gaining speed, the pilot continued the takeoff roll past the runway threshold. During this maneuver, the pilot extended the second flap setting, which is intended for landing rather than takeoff. The aircraft subsequently crossed the perimeter fence, traversed an embankment, and performed a somersault before coming to a halt. The aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

Investigators examined the site and the wreckage, finding no mechanical malfunctions. The deformation of the propeller blades indicated that the engine was delivering significant power during the event. Analysis of the runway surface revealed deep ruts and indicated that the unpaved strip was wet and greasy.

Evidence showed that the pilot had lined up at the displaced threshold rather than the start of the runway, reducing the available takeoff distance to approximately 670 meters. While the flight manual requires a 15% increase in takeoff distance for dry grass runways, no specific instruction was provided for greasy conditions. The pilot had also chosen to ignore a club recommendation to limit occupancy to two persons during the winter season due to potential performance limitations caused by runway conditions.

Findings

  • The pilot failed to adequately account for environmental factors, such as the wet and greasy runway surface, which limited takeoff performance.
  • The pilot made the decision to continue the takeoff roll despite observing insufficient acceleration at the midpoint of the runway.
  • The pilot continued the takeoff attempt beyond the end of the runway in an attempt to utilize the slope of the adjacent terrain.

Probable cause

The runway excursion was caused by the pilot's failure to recognize the impact of the wet runway on performance and the subsequent decision to continue the takeoff roll past the runway end.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-11-22 Robin DR400-120 accident near Chauvigny (86), FR?

A Robin DR400-120 aircraft veered off the unpaved runway at Chauvigny Aerodrome after the pilot attempted to continue the takeoff roll beyond the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-11-22 involved a Robin DR400-120, registration F-GOKQ, at Chauvigny (86), FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The runway excursion was caused by the pilot's failure to recognize the impact of the wet runway on performance and the subsequent decision to continue the takeoff roll past the runway end.

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