What happened
On 12 September 2020, a Robin DR400-120, registration F-GIKZ, departed from Arcachon - La Teste-de-Buch airport for a local flight. The pilot was carrying three passengers on a flight intended as a gift to a non-profit association.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft reached rotation at approximately 110 km/h with a significant nose-up attitude. As the aircraft climbed, the pilot turned to interact with a passenger, diverting attention from critical flight parameters. The aircraft maintained a steep nose-up attitude and a low airspeed, eventually entering the backside of the power curve. The stall warning sounded for several seconds as the airspeed dropped to approximately 100 km/h.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck the tops of trees and collided with the ground in a wooded area, resulting in a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in four fatalities (the pilot and three passengers) and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA investigation utilized video footage from a passenger, ground witness statements, and radio recordings. Investigators examined the wreckage and the engine, finding no evidence of mechanical failure or loss of engine power. The engine was operating at over 2,300 rpm during the initial climb.
Analysis of the aircraft's configuration revealed that the flight was conducted with a takeoff weight exceeding the maximum permissible limit by approximately 50 kg. Furthermore, the center of gravity was likely outside the allowable envelope, positioned too far aft due to the placement of the heaviest passenger in the rear seat. The investigation also noted that while the pilot had requested passenger weights, the actual weights exceeded the estimates provided to him.
Findings
- The aircraft was operated outside of the weight and balance envelope, which degraded takeoff performance and increased the stall speed.
- The pilot maintained a steep nose-up attitude during the initial climb, causing the aircraft to fly on the backside of the power curve.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by interacting with passengers, leading to a lack of monitoring of airspeed, attitude, and flight symmetry.
- The aircraft likely stalled at a low altitude due to the combination of high weight, improper attitude, and insufficient airspeed.