What happened
On June 25, 2000, at approximately 18:00, a Robin DR 400-140 B, registration F-GLVE, performed a precautionary landing in a field near Saint-Paul, France. The flight, operated by a flying club, was a cross-country trip originating from Nevers and destined for Limoges.
The pilot departed Nevers at 16:30. After roughly 45 minutes of flight time, the aircraft passed near Guéret, where the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. As the aircraft approached Limoges, the presence of low clouds and precipitation forced the pilot to divert south of the city. At 17:54, the pilot contacted Limoges tower to request the latest meteorological information for the aerodrome. Shortly thereafter, at 18:00, the low fuel warning light illuminated. Due to the unfavorable weather and the lack of remaining fuel to reach an alternative destination, the pilot executed a precautionary landing in a field. Upon inspection on the ground, 18 liters of fuel remained in the tanks.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight planning, the meteorological data available to the pilot, and the fuel consumption during the mission. It was noted that the aircraft had departed Nevers with a full tank of 110 liters following a previous flight the day before. The pilot had calculated a fuel consumption rate of 27.5 liters per hour for the planned 75-minute flight from Nevers to Limoges. The investigation also reviewed the METAR and TAF reports available to the pilot prior to departure and during the flight.
Findings
- The pilot failed to sufficiently account for the forecasted and encountered meteorological conditions.
- The deteriorating weather, including low clouds and rain, necessitated a longer flight path to avoid the city of Limoges, which increased fuel consumption.
- The remaining fuel level was insufficient to allow for a diversion to another aerodrome once the low fuel warning was triggered.