Training flight accident at Clermont-Ferrand-Aulnat Airport

No fatalities • Clermont-Ferrand-Auvergne (Aulnat), France • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during a simulated engine failure training mission, resulting in an excursion from the runway.

What happened

During a scheduled local training session at Clermont-Ferrand-Aulnat Airport, the flight crew was performing maneuvers to practice emergency procedures. As the aircraft type was accelerating during its takeoff roll, the instructor intentionally deactivated engine number four to replicate an in-flight power loss scenario.

Following this manual shutdown, the pilot-in-command was unable to maintain directional control of the plane. The aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway and exited the paved surface, eventually coming to a stop in a nearby field. While there were zero fatalities and no injuries reported among the two crew members, the incident resulted in the total loss of the aircraft due to structural damage sustained during the excursion.

Findings

  • The engine shutdown was a deliberate part of the training syllabus.
  • The primary factor in the accident was the pilot's inability to maintain the runway centerline following the simulated failure.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control occurred after the intentional shutdown of an engine during the takeoff roll to simulate an engine failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-12-28 Vickers Viscount accident near Clermont-Ferrand-Auvergne (Aulnat), France?

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during a simulated engine failure training mission, resulting in an excursion from the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-12-28 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-12-28 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration F-BOEA, operated by Air Inter, at Clermont-Ferrand-Auvergne (Aulnat), France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control occurred after the intentional shutdown of an engine during the takeoff roll to simulate an engine failure.

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