Engine failure leads to stall and ground impact in Socata TB10

Casualties unknown • Toussus-Le-Noble, FR

A Socata TB10 experienced an engine shutdown during final approach at Toussus-Le-Noble, resulting in a stall and substantial aircraft damage.

What happened

On 14 May 2020, a Socata TB10, registration F-GBHS, was conducting an instructional flight from Toussus-Le-Noble to Pontoise. After completing a landing at Pontoise and returning to the holding point, the crew began their return flight to Toussus-Le-Noble. During the approach to runway 07L, the student-pilot configured the aircraft for landing by extending the flaps and setting the mixture to full rich.

As the aircraft passed the ILS antennae, the instructor noted that the airspeed was low. The student-pilot attempted to increase power, but the engine failed to respond and subsequently shut down. The instructor took control of the aircraft at approximately 100 feet. Despite checking the fuel pump, carburetor heat, and mixture settings, the instructor was unable to switch to the alternative fuel tank before the aircraft's altitude became critical. During the flare, the stall warning activated, and the aircraft struck the ground before reaching the runway threshold. The impact caused the engine to partially separate from the airframe and the front landing gear to rupture. Both the instructor and the student-pilot evacuated the substantial damage aircraft without injury.

The investigation

The BEA examined the engine and the aircraft's fuel system following the accident. The fuel tanks and lines contained fuel, and the engine was found to rotate freely. While the engine sustained significant damage during the separation from the airframe, subsequent examinations of the engine accessories by a maintenance workshop revealed only minor adjustment faults in the carburetor and double magneto, which were insufficient to cause a power loss. The investigators also noted that the flaps were found retracted at the accident site, though it could not be determined if this was due to post-accident intervention by bystanders.

Findings

  • The engine shut down during the final approach phase.
  • The instructor took control of the aircraft at a low altitude, which prevented sufficient time to implement corrective actions, such as switching fuel tanks.
  • The aircraft entered a stall during the flare procedure.
  • The investigation could not identify a specific mechanical cause for the engine shutdown.

Probable cause

The engine shut down during the final approach, leading to a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall during the flare before the runway threshold; the cause of the engine failure could not be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-05-14 SOCATA TB10 accident near Toussus-Le-Noble, FR?

A Socata TB10 experienced an engine shutdown during final approach at Toussus-Le-Noble, resulting in a stall and substantial aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-05-14 involved a SOCATA TB10, registration F-GBHS, at Toussus-Le-Noble, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine shut down during the final approach, leading to a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall during the flare before the runway threshold; the cause of the engine failure could not be determined.

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