2003 Etaules Robin DR 400-140 B accident (F-GIKB)

Accident overview and flight details On 30 July 2003, a Pierre Robin DR 400-140 B, registration F-GIKB, operated by the Aéro-club de La Rochelle et de Charente-Maritime, crashed in Etaules, France. The aircraft was on a special VFR flight from La Rochelle to Royan-Médis. The pilot and three passengers took off at 09:40 UTC. The aircraft was destroyed, and all four occupants were killed. ## Weather and operational context A weak cold front brought low ceilings and intermittent drizzle. The AFIS at Royan reported stratus at 800 ft, a wind of 260°/14 kt, QNH 1022, QFE 1019, and visibility of about 8 km. Estimated conditions at the accident site included visibility of 4 to 5 km, overcast at 500 ft and 1,300 ft, and intermittent drizzle. ## Pilot and aircraft information The pilot was an 82-year-old man holding a private pilot licence and a single-engine piston licence valid until 30 September 2003. He had 203 flight hours, including 5 hours 50 minutes in the preceding three months and 3 hours 11 minutes in the preceding 30 days, all on type. The aircraft was built in 1989 and powered by a Lycoming O-320-D2A engine. It had 5,682 total flight hours and was maintained in accordance with applicable regulations. ## Investigation findings Radar data showed a progressive heading change to the west, a descent from 1,300 ft to 600 ft, and a significant speed reduction in the five minutes before the accident. Witnesses reported the aircraft emerging from cloud, oscillating in roll and pitch, and then diving. The engine was found to be producing power, and no technical malfunction was identified. The investigation concluded that the pilot likely lost external visual references while attempting a turn in deteriorating weather, leading to loss of control.