Engine failure leads to ULM crash at Aubenasson

Casualties unknown • :, FR

A Rans Coyote 2 S6 ES ultralight suffered an engine failure during initial climb, resulting in a stall and ground impact at Aubenasson aerodrome.

What happened

On July 22, 2005, a Rans Coyote 2 S6 ES ultralight, registration 38-JX, was operating a flight from La Tour-du-Pin to Aubenasson. After arriving at the unpaved runway 26 at Aubenasson earlier that afternoon, the pilot prepared for a subsequent departure. At approximately 16:45, as wind gusts began to subside, the pilot performed a pre-flight inspection and started the Rotax 912 engine.

Seeking to depart between the rotations of a glider tug, the pilot received signals from two individuals indicating that the runway was clear, as the pilot's position obscured the view of aircraft on base and final approach. The pilot immediately aligned with the runway and began the takeoff roll. During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately five to ten meters and a speed of roughly 70 km/h, the engine abruptly stopped. Upon realizing the fuel valve was in the closed position, the pilot attempted to open it, but the engine failed to restart. The aircraft subsequently stalled and struck the ground, causing the landing gear to collapse. The accident resulted in two serious injuries to the pilot and passenger, and the aircraft sustained heavy damage.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and the pilot's actions during the pre-flight and takeoff phases. Investigators examined the state of the fuel system, specifically the fuel cock, and reviewed the pilot's operational procedures. The investigation established that the pilot was highly focused on integrating into the active glider traffic and avoiding disruption to the local soaring activity. This preoccupation led to the omission of a critical pre-start check regarding the fuel supply.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the engine failure was the fuel valve being left in the closed position.
  • The pilot's attention was focused on the surrounding airfield environment and traffic management rather than performing standard cockpit checks.
  • A contributing factor was the pilot's haste to depart between glider operations.
  • The pilot's practice of not utilizing a checklist contributed to the oversight during the engine start sequence.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the pilot failing to open the fuel valve during pre-flight preparations, driven by a preoccupation with managing takeoff timing relative to local glider traffic.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-07-22 aircraft accident near :, FR?

A Rans Coyote 2 S6 ES ultralight suffered an engine failure during initial climb, resulting in a stall and ground impact at Aubenasson aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-07-22 involved a aircraft, at :, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the pilot failing to open the fuel valve during pre-flight preparations, driven by a preoccupation with managing takeoff timing relative to local glider traffic.

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