What happened
On August 26, 2017, at approximately 13:15 UTC, a Robin DR 400/140 B departed from Gmunden-Laakirchen (LOLU) for a sightseeing flight carrying three passengers. After approximately 50 minutes of flight time, while flying near the Traunstein area at an altitude of 5,500 ft MSL, the pilot experienced engine sputtering and a total loss of power. The pilot immediately decided to return to the airfield and requested an emergency landing.
During the approach to runway 08, the pilot maintained a high airspeed of approximately 130–140 km/h to avoid a stall. The aircraft touched down in the final third of the runway. Due to the high touchdown speed and the late arrival on the runway, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before the end of the paved surface. The aircraft overran the runway, successfully cleared a high-voltage power line located beyond the runway threshold, but ultimately struck an embankment approximately 175 meters past runway 26. The impact resulted in heavy damage to the aircraft and four injuries, some of which were serious.
The investigation
The Austrian SUB examined the aircraft's maintenance records, fuel levels, and engine performance. The investigation included an analysis of the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) data and an inspection of the engine and propeller systems. The investigators also reconstructed the flight path using pilot statements, eyewitness accounts, and wreckage distribution analysis. The investigation focused on why the engine failed despite the pilot's pre-flight calculations suggesting sufficient fuel remained for the intended flight duration.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel starvation.
- Although the pilot's pre-flight calculations indicated a remaining fuel quantity of 61 liters (sufficient for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes), the engine failed due to insufficient fuel.
- The aircraft's approach was characterized by a high touchdown speed and a late landing position on the runway.
- The pilot's decision to maintain high airspeed to prevent a stall contributed to the inability to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway length.
- The aircraft was able to avoid the high-voltage power line by flying underneath it, but the subsequent impact with the embankment caused the destruction of the aircraft.