Accident to the Robin DR400 registered F-GIKS on 12/10/2023 at Propriano

A few seconds after the engine start-up, which occurred following three unsuccessful attempts, the pilot taxied to the threshold of runway 27 at Propriano aerodrome and took off.

After crossing the opposite runway threshold, he turned sharply right, flying over the beach bordering the aerodrome.

Shortly after the turn, when the aeroplane was over the beach, a smoke release behind it suggests that the pilot experienced a failure that may have led to a partial loss of engine power. It is likely that the pilot then decided to make an adapted circuit to return to land. The statements gathered suggests that the engine’s operating condition probably deteriorated up to the total loss of engine power.

In front of Propriano bay, the pilot initiated a second turn during which he lost control of the aeroplane. The statements gathered suggest that the aeroplane stalled asymmetrically. The height of the aeroplane at the time did not enable the pilot to avoid collision with the surface of the sea.

Examinations of the wreckage and maintenance documentation did not find any element that could explain the reason for the loss of power reported by the witnesses. However, the difficulties in starting the engine and the smoke release in flight observed in the video recording from one of the security cameras suggest a possible link with a carburettor problem.