2007 Avions Pierre Robin DR 400-180R accident near Halfing

Overview and casualties On 16 July 2007, an Avions Pierre Robin DR 400-180R aircraft crashed near Halfing, Germany, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board. The aircraft was destroyed, and crop damage was reported at the site. ## Flight details The pilot, accompanied by two passengers, departed from Sonderlandeplatz Vogtareuth for a sightseeing flight around 11:46 local time. Prior to this flight, the pilot had completed two glider tow flights using the same aircraft. Four minutes after takeoff, witnesses observed the aircraft performing unusual maneuvers, described as acrobatic, steep spirals, or loops. Witness estimates of the altitude during these maneuvers varied between 100 m and 1,000 m. During the final maneuver, the aircraft climbed steeply and then rolled over its left wing. After spin-like rotations, it struck a cornfield with significant longitudinal attitude, the left wing contacting the ground first. ## Aircraft and pilot The aircraft was a four-seat, wood-constructed DR 400/180R manufactured by Avions Pierre Robin, powered by a Lycoming O-360 A3A engine, with a maximum takeoff mass of 1,000 kg. Built in 1983, it had serial number 1622 and was operated by a gliding club as a tow aircraft. Its total operating time was 2,709 hours. The pilot was a 53-year-old holder of a German private pilot license (PPL(A)) issued in 1979, with over 3,000 hours of flight experience. However, his class rating for single-engine land aircraft and his Class 2 medical certificate had expired at the end of July 2006. ## Investigation findings No technical defects were found on the aircraft, and the center of gravity was within limits. The accident site was located northwest of Halfing, approximately 8 km from the departure airfield, at about 1,650 ft MSL. The aircraft was not equipped with flight data recorders, which were not required by applicable regulations. No fire occurred. ## Probable cause The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the aircraft falling below minimum flight speed. Witnesses' observations suggested the maneuver was likely a lazy-eight, during which a stall occurred at the top of the maneuver, followed by a roll over the left wing and a spin-like rotation. Due to the low altitude, recovery was not possible. The pilot's medical examination revealed a significantly enlarged heart (675 g), but it could not be determined whether a medical impairment contributed to the accident. Alcohol and toxicology tests were negative.