What happened
On Saturday, September 19, 1998, at 16:10, a Robin DR 400-120, registered F-GLVC, was performing a local flight from Blois aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying four occupants: the pilot and three passengers, including two adults in the front seats and two children in the rear.
During the takeoff roll on runway 13, the aircraft traveled approximately 300 meters before the pilot initiated the climb. During this phase, the aircraft veered to the left. In an attempt to correct the deviation and realign with the runway centerline, the pilot applied right aileron/stick input. This correction caused the right wing to strike the ground. The aircraft then pivoted on its axis, striking the runway edge with the left wingtip and the nose, eventually coming to a stop on the left side of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the takeoff roll and the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident. Meteorological data indicated a wind from 050° at 12 knots, with gusts reaching 20 knots. The temperature was 21°C, and visibility was excellent (CAVOK).
Findings
The investigation established that the inappropriate correction for crosswind effects was the primary factor in the accident. As the aircraft encountered crosswind conditions, the pilot's attempt to realign the aircraft resulted in an overcorrection that led to the right wing striking the surface, subsequently causing the aircraft to depart the runway.