What happened
On August 28, 1998, at 17:30, a Robin DR 400-160 registered F-GMRV was performing a local flight from Périgueux aerodrome. During the takeoff roll on runway 12, the aircraft's left wing lifted unexpectedly. This caused the right wing to make contact with the runway surface, triggering a 90-degree pivot to the right while the aircraft remained tilted.
The aircraft then exited the runway at high speed, traveling approximately 250 meters. During the excursion, the aircraft struck a signpost, severed three sections of fencing, and broke the nose gear upon hitting an embankment. The aircraft also destroyed a football field barrier before finally coming to a halt after sliding an additional thirteen meters. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the takeoff roll under the prevailing meteorological conditions. At the time of the accident, the weather was characterized by CAVOK conditions with visibility exceeding 10 km, a temperature of 24 °C, and winds from 060° at 14 knots.
Findings
The investigation established that the primary cause of the runway excursion was the inadequate correction of wind effects by the pilot during the takeoff roll.