Engine Power Loss and Runway Excursion Involving a Robin DR400-120 in France (F-GBAB)

Flight Details and Initial Incident On 19 August 2015, at approximately 13:00 local time, a Robin DR400-120 with registration F-GBAB was operating a local convenience flight out of the Eu Mers Le Tréport aerodrome in France. The aircraft was operated by an aeroclub and carried the pilot and three passengers. Following a prior round trip to Abbeville, the pilot completed pre-takeoff checks without repeating engine tests, as they had been performed during the earlier flight. The aircraft took off from runway 23. ## Emergency Response and Accident During initial climb, the pilot reported a momentary engine failure followed by vibrations and a loss of engine power. Deciding to abort the flight, the pilot assessed that the urbanized area below was unsuitable for an off-airfield landing. A left turnback was initiated to attempt an emergency landing against the prevailing traffic direction on runway 05. The aircraft rejoined the runway approximately 400 meters beyond the threshold at an angle of about 15 degrees. Although the initial touchdown occurred on the runway, the aircraft subsequently departed the runway and experienced a ground loop. The landing gear and wings were damaged, and the pilot sustained minor injuries. ## Pilot Background and Contributing Factors The pilot held a private pilot license for airplanes and had a total flight time of 2,875 hours, including more than 150 hours on the DR400. The pilot reported that wind conditions were very light at the time of the accident. The absence of a suitable area for an off-airfield landing led to the turnback maneuver. The distance from the runway at the time of the turnback did not allow the pilot to establish a stabilized final approach, which resulted in the runway excursion.