What happened
On 28 July 2018, a Robin DR400-180, registration F-GFXE, was conducting an introductory flight at Charleville-Mézières aerodrome as part of a local club event. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers.
After completing engine tests and taking off from runway 11, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 140 feet when the engine power suddenly decreased. The pilot attempted a left turn at this low altitude without initiating a descent. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft entered a stall and collided with trees in a nearby grove. The impact resulted in two fatalities (the pilot and one passenger) and two injuries to the remaining passengers. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BEA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's experience, and the operational context of the flight day. Investigators analyzed video recordings from passenger mobile phones and aerodrome surveillance cameras, which allowed for a precise reconstruction of the engine's RPM and fuel pressure fluctuations.
Technical examinations of the engine, magnetos, and fuel system did not reveal any mechanical failures capable of explaining the power loss. However, the investigation noted that the pilot had not performed a pre-takeoff briefing or utilized the written checklists. Furthermore, the investigation found that the passengers were not wearing their shoulder harnesses at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The engine power reduction was likely caused by fuel starvation.
- The pilot likely moved the fuel selector valve during the takeoff roll, potentially selecting a nearly empty fuel tank.
- The pilot continued the takeoff despite a low fuel pressure warning light appearing on the instrument panel.
- The decision to execute a left turn at low altitude, combined with a nose-up pitch during the stall warning, led to the loss of control.
- High time pressure, stemming from the club's ambitious flight schedule and financial difficulties, likely contributed to the pilot's failure to follow standard checklists and briefing procedures.