What happened
On January 7, 2024, a Robin DR400-180, registration F-GUXO, was performing a local flight at Vichy Charmeil aerodrome as part of a flying club event. The flight was intended to be a low pass over the runway to allow a passenger, dressed as Father Christmas, to wave to children gathered at the airfield.
After taking off from runway 01, the pilot climbed to 1,350 ft before performing a U-turn. The aircraft descended to 300 ft to fly over the runway on the reciprocal heading. While climbing back toward the end of the downwind leg, the aircraft began a smooth descent. An eyewitness observed the aircraft descending low over a group of trees before it disappeared from view. The aircraft subsequently struck the trees and ended its flight in a nearby field.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, flight data, and witness statements. Investigators noted that the impact was high-energy and occurred in a nose-down attitude. The aircraft's right wing, propeller, and propeller flange were lost due to contact with vegetation.
Analysis of the cockpit revealed that the battery and alternator switches were in the "OFF" position. Because the warning lights were extinguished prior to impact, investigators concluded that the pilot likely cut the electrical power in accordance with emergency landing procedures. The fuel valve was set to the main tank, and the carburetor heat control was pushed, though the heating system was not active. No mechanical failures in the flight controls, fuel supply, or ignition systems were identified.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a group of trees during a descent, leading to the destruction of the Robin DR400-180 and the deaths of two people (the pilot and one passenger).
- The pilot likely attempted an emergency landing following an unforeseen event, as evidenced by the manual shutdown of the electrical system before impact.
- While meteorological conditions were conducive to icing, investigators could not definitively confirm if icing occurred based on the wreckage examination.
- The aircraft's impact with the trees caused the sudden failure of the aileron control cables.