What happened
On June 7, 2008, at approximately 11:55 AM, an Avions Pierre Robin DR 400/160 departed from Altena-Hegenscheid (EDKD) for a cross-country flight toward Marl-Loemühle (EDLM). Shortly after takeoff from runway 24, while the aircraft was in its initial climb at an altitude of approximately 25 meters, the engine failed. Following the loss of power, the aircraft veered to the right and struck a hillside located immediately behind the airfield. The impact resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the engine, the fuel system, and the cockpit instrumentation. Examination of the Lycoming O-320 engine revealed no mechanical defects in the cylinders, pistons, or valve train. The magnetos and mechanical fuel pump were found to be functioning correctly.
Investigators analyzed the fuel system and found that while the right wing tank and rear auxiliary tank contained fuel, the main tank was empty. Crucially, the fuel selector valve was found in a position that allowed flow from both the right wing tank and the main tank simultaneously. At the crash site, no fuel was present in the carburetor, filter, or electric fuel pump.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed cockpit instrumentation. While the pilot's logbook indicated sufficient fuel for the flight, the aircraft's fuel gauges were found to be inaccurate, significantly overstating the remaining fuel in the main tank.