Engine failure leads to forced landing in France

Casualties unknown • Saint Cyr l’École, FR

A Robin DR400 experienced an engine shutdown during a cross-country flight, resulting in a forced landing in a wheat field near Saint Cyr l’École.

What happened

On 16 June 2019, a Robin DR400-140B, registration F-GBIA, was conducting a cross-country flight from Deauville Normandy aerodrome toward Saint Cyr l’École. The aircraft, operated by Aéroclub de Boulogne Billancourt, was carrying a pilot and one passenger.

While flying on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern at approximately 700 feet, the pilot reported engine problems to the tower. The engine experienced several misfires before stopping completely. Due to the low altitude, the pilot opted not to attempt a restart and instead performed a forced landing in a nearby wheat field. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a green wire fence that was obscured by vegetation, causing the nose gear to fail and resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. Both occupants evacuated the aircraft safely without injury.

The investigation

The BEA examined the engine, the fuel system, and the flight logs to determine the cause of the power loss. The investigation included a test of the engine on a test bench, which showed nominal operation. The mechanical and electric fuel pumps, as well as the carburetor, were also inspected and found to be functional with no identifiable faults.

Regarding the fuel system, investigators found that the main tank contained approximately 50 liters of fuel, while the range extension tank was empty. The transfer valve was operational, and the distribution of fuel confirmed that the transfer process from the extension tank to the main tank had been activated during the flight. However, the investigators noted that there was no fuel present in the hose between the mechanical pump and the carburetor.

Findings

  • The engine and all fuel system components, including pumps and the carburetor, showed no mechanical or structural defects.
  • The fuel analysis revealed no contamination or anomalies.
  • Based on estimated fuel consumption, the amount of fuel remaining in the main tank may have reached the critical 10-liter threshold, where engine power is no longer guaranteed unless in level flight.
  • The engine shutdown is consistent with the unpriming of the fuel system.
  • The pilot's inability to see the fence during the landing roll was due to the fence being obscured by the height of the wheat and its green color.

Probable cause

The engine shutdown was likely caused by the unpriming of the fuel system, potentially occurring because the fuel level in the main tank dropped to a point where continuous supply could not be maintained.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-06-16 ROBIN - DR400 - 140B accident near Saint Cyr l’École, FR?

A Robin DR400 experienced an engine shutdown during a cross-country flight, resulting in a forced landing in a wheat field near Saint Cyr l’École.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-06-16 involved a ROBIN - DR400 - 140B, registration F-GBIA, at Saint Cyr l’École, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine shutdown was likely caused by the unpriming of the fuel system, potentially occurring because the fuel level in the main tank dropped to a point where continuous supply could not be maintained.

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