FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Fatal Crash of a Robin DR 400/180 R at Rheinstetten Glider Field

Segelfluggelände Rheinstetten, DE

On May 30, 2012, an Avions Pierre Robin DR 400/180 R was involved in an aviation accident near Segelfluggelände Rheinstetten, DE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot likely initiated takeoff with the carburetor heat engaged, which reduced engine power and contributed to the crash. This summary draws on records from the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU).

Sourcesthe German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On May 30, 2012, a Robin DR 400/180 R crashed into a forest shortly after takeoff from Rheinstetten, Germany, killing all four occupants. The BFU investigation indicated the pilot likely used carburetor heat, reducing engine power.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On May 30, 2012, at 17:12 local time, a 73-year-old pilot departed from the Rheinstetten glider field in a Robin DR 400/180 R for a private sightseeing flight with three passengers. Witnesses observed the aircraft lifting off after the halfway point of runway 02. The initial climb was noted to be slower than usual, with the nose dipping multiple times before the aircraft turned left. It disappeared from view just above the tree line of a forest adjacent to the runway, subsequently colliding with trees and crashing to the ground. The aircraft burned completely, resulting in the deaths of all four occupants. The crash site was located approximately 550 meters northwest of runway 02 in a high forest. Debris, including the right wingtip, was found in a tree at about 10 meters height, while the engine and fuselage were found on the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot likely initiated takeoff with the carburetor heat engaged, which reduced engine power and contributed to the crash.
Controlled flight into terrain

More accident analyses