What happened
On September 2, 1967, at 17:05 local time, a Jodel DR 1050 (registration HB-EEW) was performing a solo circuit training flight at the Ecuvillens airfield. During the takeoff roll on runway 28, the aircraft encountered strong, gusty winds from the southwest. Shortly after applying full power, the aircraft's tail lifted, and the plane began to drift significantly from the runway centerline toward the left boundary.
In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot applied full power rather than reducing it, which inadvertently exacerbated the deviation. While the pilot managed to avoid a parked aircraft by applying brakes, the aircraft drifted approximately 100 meters from the runway edge, where the left wing struck a manual scythe parked near a wheat field. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot around the farm equipment. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, escaped the incident without injury, though the aircraft sustained approximately 30% damage, including the need to replace half of the left wing.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's experience, and the environmental factors present at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that the aircraft's brakes and rudder were fully functional. The pilot, who had approximately 64 flight hours, had completed much of his recent training on this specific model.
Regarding the aircraft's weight and balance, investigators found that the center of gravity was at the forward limit of the allowable range. This was due to the fact that the rear and auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, which contradicted flight manual instructions requiring a minimum of 25 kg of ballast in the rear seat when flying solo. However, this weight distribution was not determined to be a direct cause of the collision.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's inability to manage the effects of a strong crosswind during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft, a tailwheel type, is inherently more sensitive to crosswinds during takeoff and landing than tricycle gear aircraft.
- The pilot failed to sufficiently monitor the windsock or react early enough to the lateral drift.
- The decision to maintain full power in an attempt to correct the course likely increased the aircraft's tendency to deviate from the runway centerline.