What happened
On 12 June 2021, a Robin HR 100/250 TR, registration F-HRDM, departed from Lille - Marcq-en-Barœul aerodrome for a cross-country flight to Antwerp, Belgium. Shortly after takeoff from runway 25, the pilot notified air traffic services that he intended to land on the reciprocal runway due to an unspecified problem in the cabin. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing the pilot mention a cabin issue, and some noted the presence of smoke.
In an attempt to land quickly, the pilot initiated a turn-around maneuver at an altitude of approximately 300 feet. During this turn, the aircraft entered a steep bank of about 45 degrees. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which subsequently collided with the ground 1,30 and crashed into a field 1,300 meters from the runway threshold. The impact was followed by a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft. The three fatalities included the pilot and two passengers.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the nature of the reported cabin issue. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that the aircraft hit the ground with a nose-down attitude and a steep left bank. While the engine was still transmitting torque to the propeller at the moment of impact, the intense fire prevented a definitive determination of the aircraft's configuration, such as flap or trim settings.
Investigators also looked into the possibility of smoke or fire originating from electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets, which were found among the debris. However, toxicological analyses and autopsies of the victims showed no evidence of smoke inhalation or lithium-related poisoning. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent training history and the potential for role confusion between the pilot and the highly experienced commercial instructor traveling as a passenger.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during a steep banked turn performed at a low altitude with limited safety margins.
- The pilot attempted an immediate turnaround to land on the reciprocal runway rather than performing a standard, low-altitude aerodrome circuit, which would have been more appropriate for a minor incident.
- The specific cause of the reported cabin problem could not be determined; while a hold door issue was possible, there was no evidence of incapacitating smoke.
- There was a lack of clear role definition between the pilot and the passenger instructor, which could have impacted decision-making during the emergency.