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Casualties unknown

2017 Aix-en-Provence Robin DR400-180 accident (F-GAHR)

Aix-en-Provence, FR

On March 31, 2017, a Robin DR400-180 (registration F-GAHR) was involved in an aviation accident near Aix-en-Provence, FR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine stoppage due to the drying of the central fuel tank, resulting from the pilot's incorrect estimation of the remaining fuel quantity in the tank selected for takeoff. This summary draws on records from the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA).

Sourcesthe French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

A Robin DR400-180 (F-GAHR) suffered an engine failure during initial climb on March 31, 2017, at Aix-en-Provence. The aircraft made a forced landing in a field after the pilot incorrectly estimated fuel quantity in the central tank.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On March 31, 2017, at approximately 15:45 local time, a Robin DR400-180 registered F-GAHR, operated by a general aviation club, departed from runway 14 at Aix-les-Milles aerodrome. The flight was a local introductory flight carrying the pilot and three passengers. During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the engine stopped. The pilot selected the best glide speed and attempted to restart the engine by selecting the right fuel tank. After the restart attempt failed, the pilot executed a forced landing in a field to the left of the runway axis. The aircraft rolled for approximately 250 meters before the pilot turned left near the end of the field. The right wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to pivot around the wing, which resulted in severe structural damage to the wing.

Probable cause

Engine stoppage due to the drying of the central fuel tank, resulting from the pilot's incorrect estimation of the remaining fuel quantity in the tank selected for takeoff.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

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