What happened
On June 29, 2010, a Robin DR 400-140, registration F-GUXJ, departed from Lognes aerodrome for a local flight. During the final approach to runway 26, the instructor requested a go-around to perform an unplanned engine failure simulation during the initial climb. At approximately 800 feet, the aircraft turned left toward heading 190 to begin the exercise.
As part of the drill, the instructor reduced engine power and directed the student toward a specific field to simulate an emergency landing. After the student reached the best glide speed, the instructor indicated the slope was suitable and ordered the end of the exercise. However, when the student attempted to apply power for the go-around, the power control proved ineffective.
Taking control of the aircraft, the instructor adopted a nose-down attitude and checked the fuel supply. The aircraft performed a hard landing in the designated field. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft struck a concrete block and an electric pole before coming to a halt at a level crossing. The accident resulted in one injury (the instructor) and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the engine and fuel systems, as well as the decision-making process regarding the flight exercise. Technical examinations of the engine and fuel circuit revealed no malfunctions capable of explaining the loss of engine power during the maneuver.
Investigators also examined the suitability of the chosen landing site. The instructor stated that the field used for the exercise was the only viable option for a real engine failure during initial climb at Lognes, though he admitted he had never previously performed a reconnaissance of this specific terrain. The instructor, a highly experienced pilot with approximately 21,000 flight hours, was conducting the training session under weather conditions featuring a temperature of 28°C.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the ineffectiveness of the power control during the go-around attempt.
- The instructor selected a reference field for the engine failure exercise that was unsuitable for an actual emergency landing.
- There is a lack of designated emergency landing plots near Lognes aerodrome, and the surrounding environment offers very few suitable parcels of land for such purposes.