What happened
On April 15, 2022, a Robin DR 400/180 was performing circuit flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at Farrenberg Airfield. The flight departed from runway 10 at 17:00 local time. After approximately 15 minutes of flight time, the aircraft entered the downwind leg for runway 28, and the pilot communicated with the air traffic controller via radio.
During the final approach to runway 28, the pilot reported difficulty maintaining a stable engine RPM. In an attempt to correct a descent that had fallen below the intended glidepath, the pilot recalled applying maximum power. Witnesses observed the aircraft approaching the airfield with landing flaps fully extended. As the aircraft passed over the threshold marker, it was at an altitude of approximately 15 meters before entering an abrupt and intensifying descent. The aircraft struck the ground roughly 200 meters before reaching the runway threshold and came to rest after traveling an additional 38 meters.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the sequence of events and the condition of the aircraft. The aircraft, a single-engine, low-wing, wooden construction aircraft, was operated by a club. The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident.
Technical examination of the wreckage was limited due to the high degree of destruction. The cockpit area and the right wing were destroyed, the main landing gear was torn off, and the tail section was severely damaged. The landing flaps were found in the extended position. The fuel pump switch was set to "ON," and the tank selector was set to the right wing tank. No technical defects were identified in the aircraft components. A GPS-based collision warning device (FLARM) was recovered, but it contained no flight data as it had failed prior to the accident. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, as these were not required by regulations.
Findings
- The pilot sustained one serious injury during the impact.
- The aircraft was destroyed.
- The pilot had significant prior experience as a military jet pilot, but had approximately 110 total flight hours, with 34:15 hours specifically on this aircraft type.
- Weather conditions were favorable, with VMC, visibility exceeding 10,000 meters, and a 10-knot wind from 310 degrees.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the glidepath by applying maximum power during the final approach contributed to the loss of control.