Hard landing and runway collision during engine failure simulation

Casualties unknown • FR

A Robin DR 400-180 sustained heavy damage after a simulated engine failure exercise resulted in a low-altitude approach and collision with runway markings.

What happened

On July 27, 2013, a Robin DR 40 and 180 aircraft, registration F-GKQJ, was conducting a flight for license renewal at the Charleville-Mézières aerodrome. The crew consisted of a pilot, an instructor, and a club president. During the flight, the instructor reduced engine power to simulate an engine failure, an exercise intended to have the pilot select a suitable landing field.

Instead of selecting an immediate field, the pilot attempted to reach the aerodrome's runway. As the aircraft approached runway 11, the stall warning activated intermittently and then continuously. The instructor took control of the aircraft to manage the situation; however, the aircraft maintained a high pitch attitude and low airspeed. The aircraft struck the ground before the runway threshold, bounced, and subsequently collided with the runway approach lighting/markings, resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a low-altitude approach during an engine failure simulation that lacked sufficient safety margins, compounded by the instructor's delayed intervention due to diminished authority in the cockpit.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-07-27 Robin DR 400-180 accident near FR?

A Robin DR 400-180 sustained heavy damage after a simulated engine failure exercise resulted in a low-altitude approach and collision with runway markings.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-07-27 involved a Robin DR 400-180, registration F-GKQJ, at FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a low-altitude approach during an engine failure simulation that lacked sufficient safety margins, compounded by the instructor's delayed intervention due to diminished authority in the cockpit.

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