What happened
On June 16, 2013, a Robin DR 400-140B, registration F-BXRZ, was performing a paid sightseeing flight at the Orange-Plan-de-Dieu aerodrome. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers. During the takeoff roll on runway 17, the pilot applied takeoff power and released the brakes. Upon reaching a speed of 100 km/h, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft, but the plane failed to lift off. Attributing the lack of lift to the aircraft's weight and high ambient temperatures, the pilot waited until the airspeed reached 105 km/h before attempting a second rotation. When the aircraft again failed to depart the ground, the pilot checked for any obstructions in the control column and subsequently decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft continued straight down the unpaved runway, eventually exiting the paved surface and colliding with a vineyard located approximately 20 meters beyond the runway end. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's actions. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's weight was 920 kg, well within the maximum takeoff weight of 1,000 kg, and the center of gravity was positioned aft. Meteorological conditions included a temperature of 29 °C and a light wind.
Investigators reviewed video footage from a passenger, which showed the engine remained at 2,400 rpm throughout the takeoff roll until the collision, and that the maximum speed reached was 105 km/h. While the pilot reported that the elevator felt ineffective and that there was no resistance in the control column during rotation, pre-flight checks had not revealed any anomalies. Furthermore, an examination of the wreckage found no mechanical malfunctions. Testing by the DGA Essais en Vol indicated that the flap setting used during the event does not significantly impact takeoff roll distance or rotation speed, though it does affect climb performance.
Findings
- The investigation could not identify a specific cause for the perceived ineffectiveness of the flight controls during the rotation phase.
- The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll after the initial rotation attempt, despite experiencing doubts regarding primary control effectiveness, contributed to the runway excursion.
- The pilot attempted to extend the flaps to the second notch during the aborted takeoff to increase surface contact for braking, though the aircraft's momentum carried it into the vegetation.