Robin DR400 veers off runway during touch-and-go at Chartres

Casualties unknown • French is the work of reference., FR

A Robin DR400/120 crashed at Chartres-Champhol aerodrome after the pilot failed to counter engine effects and crosswinds during a touch-and-go maneuver.

What happened

On June 14, 2024, a Robin DR400/120, registration F-GSBN, was performing a cross-country flight involving touch-and-go landings when it veered off the runway at Chartres-Champhol aerodrome. The pilot had arrived at the aerodrome from Chavenay–Villepreux and joined the circuit for a landing on paved runway 27.

Following the touchdown, the pilot attempted a touch-and-go. During the sequence, the pilot increased power to full throttle, retracted the flaps to the first detent, and engaged the carburetor heat. As power was applied, the aircraft experienced a sudden yaw to the left and a slight roll. The aircraft exited the left side of the runway, flying at a very low altitude over the grass at approximately 90 km/h. The aircraft then collided with a windsock near taxiway B, causing the left wing to be severed. The aircraft came to rest on its back. The pilot, who was wearing a seatbelt, was able to evacuate the wreckage and sustained only slight injuries.

The investigation

The BEA examined the wreckage and reviewed data from the SDVFR navigation application and aerodrome security cameras. The investigation confirmed that the flight controls were functional, the flaps were in the takeoff position, and the elevator trim was near neutral. Meteorological data revealed that the area was experiencing a cold front with winds from the south-south-west at 12 knots, with gusts reaching up to 25 knots. This created a crosswind component of up to 23 knots, which was near the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit.

Findings

  • The pilot's management of the power increase contributed to the excursion.
  • The sequence of actions—specifically increasing power before completing aircraft reconfiguration—was a contributing factor.
  • The pilot provided insufficient rudder and stick inputs to counteract the leftward yaw caused by the spiraling slipstream of the propeller and the weathervaning effect of the crosswind.
  • The crosswind component was near the aircraft's demonstrated limit, potentially exacerbating the lateral movement.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway because the pilot failed to apply sufficient corrective rudder and stick inputs to counteract the combined effects of the engine's spiraling slipstream and a significant crosswind during the power application phase of a touch-and-go maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-06-14 ROBIN DR400/120 accident near French is the work of reference., FR?

A Robin DR400/120 crashed at Chartres-Champhol aerodrome after the pilot failed to counter engine effects and crosswinds during a touch-and-go maneuver.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-06-14 involved a ROBIN DR400/120, registration F-GSBN, at French is the work of reference., FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway because the pilot failed to apply sufficient corrective rudder and stick inputs to counteract the combined effects of the engine's spiraling slipstream and a significant crosswind during the power application phase of a touch-and-go maneuver.

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