Hard Landing and Runway Lighting Collision at Charleville-Mézières (F-GKQJ)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 27 July 2013, a Robin DR 400-180 registered F-GKQJ departed Charleville-Mézières aerodrome at approximately 18:00 local time for a license renewal training flight. The aircraft carried an instructor, a pilot, and the club president. After about 45 minutes, the instructor reduced engine power to simulate a forced landing. The pilot elected to attempt a landing on runway 11. During the final approach, the stall warning sounded intermittently and then continuously. The instructor took control, but the aircraft struck the ground before the runway threshold, bounced, and collided with the runway entry lights. The aircraft was heavily damaged. ## Testimony and Contributing Factors The pilot stated that the instructor initiated the engine-failure simulation northwest of the aerodrome and that he believed runway 11 was reachable. The instructor reported that he had briefed the exercise and expected the pilot to select a nearby field, but did not voice his doubts about the pilot's decision to return to the aerodrome. The club president observed the aircraft at low altitude and low speed during the final turn and noted the stall warning. The propeller was slightly damaged, suggesting low engine power at impact. ## Safety Lessons The investigation noted that the exercise had deviated from a standard forced-landing procedure into a reduced-power approach without adequate safety margin. The instructor's late intervention and the context of the license renewal flight, combined with the presence of the club president and significant age and experience differences, may have limited the instructor's authority. The engine-failure exercise continued at low altitude without sufficient safety margin.