What happened
On August 9, 2024, a Robin DR400-180, registration F-GYKM, was performing a training flight near Aire-sur-l’Adour, France. The flight, operated by Aéroclub de Bordeaux, involved a student-pilot and an instructor. After completing a cross-country leg and a landing at Bagnères-de-Luchon, the crew approached Aire-sur-l’Adour for a touch-and-go maneuver.
During the initial climb, at an altitude between 100 and 150 feet, the crew observed the simultaneous illumination of the fuel pressure and low fuel level warning lights. Within two seconds of these warnings, the engine suffered a total loss of power. The instructor immediately took control of the aircraft, maneuvering to avoid haystacks in a nearby field. The aircraft performed a forced landing in a field on the extended axis of the runway, bounced, and subsequently touched down a second time in another field. The impact caused the rupture of the right-hand landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the fuel system and the engine's performance. Investigators examined the aircraft's three fuel tanks, the fuel selector valve, the electric pump, and the carburetor. Physical inspections of the tanks and piping revealed no abnormalities. The electric pump was tested and found to be functioning normally, providing adequate fuel flow. The fuel selector valve was also inspected and found to be within manufacturer tolerances.
Analysis of the fuel levels showed that the left wing tank was full, while the right wing tank was at one-third capacity. The main tank contained approximately 30 liters of fuel. While the amount of fuel found in the carburetor bowl was significantly lower than normal operating levels, the investigation could not pinpoint a specific mechanical failure that caused the sudden depletion of fuel flow.
Findings
- The engine experienced a total reduction in power during the climb phase following a touch-and-go.
- The illumination of the fuel pressure and low fuel level warning lights preceded the engine failure by less than two seconds.
- The investigation could not identify a specific mechanical cause for the fuel supply fault, as all components—including the pump, selector valve, and tanks—appeared to be in working order.
- The instructor and student-pilot had previously experienced the illumination of these warning lights during a flight in February 2024 without a subsequent loss of power, which may have influenced their immediate reaction to the warnings.