Accident to the Robin DR400 registered F-BUSU on 27/05/2023 at Laloubère

The pilot performed the base leg and the start of final with engine power at idle. When he intercepted the approach slope, he pushed on the throttle control, but soon realised that the engine was no longer delivering power. He made an input on the fuel pump switch and selected the main tank with the fuel selector. As the fuel system had been starved of fuel, the aeroplane did not regain power immediately.

With a path flying over tall trees, the pilot carried out a forced landing, maintaining sufficient speed to avoid losing control. Once close to the ground, he tried to avoid the obstacles.

The left tank was used for the entire flight and for the landing circuit. All the fuel contained in this tank was used, resulting in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. When applying the “engine failure in flight” emergency procedure, the pilot set the fuel selector to the “main” position. It is likely that he also switched OFF the electric pump, thinking he was switching it ON.