Loss of Control During Takeoff at Chavenay Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • FR

A trainee pilot experienced a loss of control during the takeoff roll of a Robin DR 400-120, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway.

What happened

On April 1, 2004, at 11:50, a Robin DR 400-120, registration F-GSBN, was performing a solo training flight at Chavenay Aerodrome. While performing engine tests at the runway holding point for runway 23, the pilot was informed by air traffic control that the runway configuration was changing to runway 10. Despite the change, the pilot remained on runway 23 following instructions to align and wait.

As the takeoff roll commenced, the pilot attempted to maintain a straight trajectory. Upon reaching rotation speed, the pilot noted that the left wheel appeared to lift prematurely. Surprised by this unexpected behavior, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and reduced engine power to idle. During the aborted takeoff, the aircraft veered to the left and exited the runway. During the maneuver, the pilot inadvertently increased engine power, bringing the aircraft close to fuel pumps at high speed, before eventually applying brakes and left rudder to bring the aircraft to a stop near the aerodrome perimeter fence. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the aircraft's handling during the takeoff roll. The investigation established that the pilot had observed the windsock indicating a change in wind direction but did not request to switch to runway 10. Furthermore, the pilot did not inform the air traffic controller that the flight was being conducted solo. The instructor, who was flying in the circuit on runway 10 at the time, had previously noted the effects of a tailwind component when departing on runway 23.

Findings

  • The pilot provided insufficient control inputs to counteract the effects of the wind during the takeoff roll.
  • The pilot was preoccupied by the unexpected change in the flight plan (the runway change), which led to an inadequate assessment of the specific takeoff conditions.
  • The pilot deferred the decision-making regarding the runway change to the air traffic controller rather than initiating a request for runway 10.
  • The pilot failed to communicate the solo nature of the flight to the controller.

Probable cause

The loss of control was caused by the pilot's inadequate corrective actions to manage wind effects, compounded by a lack of focus on takeoff conditions due to preoccupation with the sudden change in runway assignment.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-04-01 INCIDENT survenu à l’avion accident near FR?

A trainee pilot experienced a loss of control during the takeoff roll of a Robin DR 400-120, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-04-01 involved a INCIDENT survenu à l’avion, registration F-GSBN, at FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control was caused by the pilot's inadequate corrective actions to manage wind effects, compounded by a lack of focus on takeoff conditions due to preoccupation with the sudden change in runway assignment.

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