BFU Report: 2008 Avions Pierre Robin DR 400/180 Accident Near Grauwinkel

Overview and Identification On 1 July 2008, a single-engine Avions Pierre Robin DR 400/180 aircraft crashed near Grauwinkel in the Elbe-Elster district. The German Federal Aviation Office (BFU) investigated the accident and closed the report summarily under § 18 FlUUG, presenting the facts without assigning fault. The aircraft was a 1995 four-seat low-wing monoplane powered by a Lycoming O-360 A3A engine and was approved for civil traffic in Germany. ## Flight Details and Personnel The aircraft was on a flight from Ahlen-Heidenheim (EDPA) to Strausberg (EDAY). The pilot held a valid private pilot license for single-engine piston aircraft (PPL-A, SE Piston) and a valid Class 2 medical certificate under JAR-FCL deutsch. The pilot had a total flight experience of 255 hours, including 155 hours on the type and 3 hours in the preceding 90 days. ## Sequence of Events After initially using the wing tanks, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the fuselage tank. Shortly after the switch, at 3,200 feet, the engine experienced misfires and then stopped. After unsuccessful restart attempts, the pilot decided on an emergency landing at approximately 13:10 local time on a grain field about 1,100 meters long. The eastern field edge was bordered by a hedge 10 to 15 meters high. The approach was made parallel to the hedge in a northwesterly direction. ## Accident Sequence and Damage In the lee of the hedge, the wing struck the grain, causing the aircraft to rotate left around the vertical axis. The nose gear then made a hard landing, and the aircraft overturned. The pilot unbuckled and extricated himself from the wreckage. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft was heavily damaged. ## Findings and Fuel System Investigation The aircraft was found upside down and destroyed, with the fuselage broken apart behind the pilot cabin baggage compartment. The nose gear showed a violent break of its attachment to the airframe, while the main gear had no externally visible damage. Some instruments were slightly damaged. Cabin controls showed the ignition switch in the “BOTH” position, the fuel tank selector in the “OFF” position, the mixture in the “RICH” position, trim set tail-heavy between 9 and 10, and the electric fuel pump “ON.” The pilot stated he did not change any switch positions after the accident because he left the wreckage immediately. After disconnecting the fuel line at the carburetor, no fuel was found there. No fuel was also detected in the line from the electric pump to the carburetor. After opening the fuel selector switch to the “Main Tank” position, fuel began to flow again. Approximately 85 liters of fuel remained in the main tank after the accident. ## Meteorological Conditions Visual flight conditions prevailed at the time of the accident near Grauwinkel. The wind was from 60 degrees at 5 to 10 knots. The following routine weather report (METAR) from the nearby Holzdorf airfield was available: 200807011120 METAR ETSH 011120Z 20006KT 9999 FEW060 27/08 Q1019 BLU/BLU/=. ## Investigation and Outcome The investigation was conducted in accordance with the German Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Act (FlUUG) of 26 August 1998. The sole objective of the investigation was the prevention of future accidents and incidents, not the determination of fault, liability, or claims. No fire occurred.