What happened
On the evening of Friday, February 16, 2001, a Robin DR 400-120, registered F-GEKF, was performing a local night flight at the Moulins aerodrome. The crew, consisting of a pilot and one passenger, intended to observe the inauguration of the airfield's new nocturnal lighting remote control system. After activating the remote control, the aircraft taxied toward the threshold of runway 26 and performed a turnaround to align for takeoff.
Witnesses on the ground reported that the engine power application appeared normal during the takeoff roll, which utilized the first third of the runway. However, as the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 15 meters, the pitch remained unstable. Upon passing the end of the runway, the aircraft leveled off and briefly descended before regaining altitude. At approximately 300 feet, the aircraft entered a steep left-hand turn and began a rapid descent, ultimately striking the ground in a wooded area. No radio communications were received from the aircraft during the flight.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's flight control linkages and found no damage prior to the impact. Analysis of the propeller indicated that the engine was delivering power at the time of the crash, noting that the propeller failed due to the force of the impact itself. Additionally, inspections of the vacuum pump and the artificial horizon showed no functional anomalies leading up to the accident.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed a coronary anomaly. This condition is capable of causing cardiac arrhythmias and subsequent fainting or loss of consciousness, and it can often remain asymptomatic and undetectable through non-invasive diagnostic methods.