Flight History
A group of club pilots prepared for a flight from Bordeaux-Léognan-Saucats to Calvi-Sainte-Catherine with intermediate stops. Four aircraft were involved, including the DR500 F-HSOO. The pilot of F-HSOO was accompanied by a second pilot in the front seat and a passenger, the second pilot's wife. The take-off from paved runway 03 occurred at 09:23. Shortly after, the pilot lost control, and the aircraft crashed in a forest. A pilot reported a fire along the runway centreline. Security cameras captured the aircraft flying at low speed and steep attitude, with roll oscillations and a left bank, then descending into the forest, indicating a backside of the power curve situation.
Meteorological Conditions
The automatic station at the aerodrome reported wind 050° at 5 kt (variable 010-090°), visibility greater than 10 km, CAVOK, QNH 1020, temperature 27°C.
Aerodrome and Surroundings
Bordeaux-Léognan-Saucats is an aerodrome with two parallel runways (paved 800 x 20 m and grass 774 x 80 m), oriented 033/213°, bordered by forests.
Wreckage Examination
The accident site was about 700 m north of runway 03 in a forest of oaks and conifers with dense ferns. The aircraft caught fire after ground impact. The wreckage was entirely burned and lying on its back. Main components were present before the fire. Flight control continuity was established on roll and yaw; a failure in one pitch channel was observed at a bolted connection, but no defect prior to impact was suspected. Flap position could not be determined. Marks in vegetation indicated the right wing hit a tree before the aircraft turned over. Tree trunks and branches about 15 cm in diameter were severed by the propeller, confirming engine operation. Propeller distortions suggested blades were close to coarse pitch at impact.
Survival Aspects
Security camera images suggested low longitudinal and vertical energy impact. Witnesses heard calls for help and approached with fire extinguishers but were unable to get close due to fire intensity and explosions. The speed of fire spread left no possibility for survival. The rapid reporting of the fire optimized emergency response.
Aircraft Information
The DR400/500 President is a single-engine aircraft with a 200 hp Lycoming engine and constant-speed propeller. Take-off speed 59 kt, initial climb 70 kt, optimum climb 84 kt (take-off flaps) or 92 kt (flaps retracted). Stall speeds (wings level): 60, 57, 55 kt (flaps retracted, take-off, landing). Take-off distance in conditions was about 530 m, compatible with runway length. Estimated climb speed 870 ft/min. Take-off procedure specifies manifold pressure 25 in.Hg, propeller 2500 rpm, mixture 12 USG/h. The propeller governor increases pitch towards coarse during acceleration. The aircraft underwent a 100-hour inspection ten days prior with no anomaly.
Read-out of Radar Recordings
Radar data showed the aircraft's ground speed remained around 55 kt with no noticeable altitude increase after take-off. In light winds, airspeed was lower than normal for a DR400/500 take-off.
Conclusions
The pilot of F-HSOO lost control shortly after take-off. Security camera recordings showed the aircraft at a steep attitude, descending at low speed and low height. The propeller was close to coarse pitch at collision. It is likely an input was made on propeller pitch control after take-off. Contributing factors may include early rotation/excessive attitude, pilot's lack of experience on type, and possible input on propeller governor. Flap position could not be determined.