What happened
On August 23, 2011, a Piper PA-38-112, registration D-EJLK, was performing a training flight when it struck trees near the Côja aerodrome in Portugal. The flight, which was an adaptation session involving a pilot in training and a supervisor, had previously performed successful touch-and-go landings at Lousã. During the flight, the supervisor requested an unplanned landing at the Côja aerodrome, a location he was familiar with from previous firefighting operations.
The pilot flying (PF) executed a touch-and-go maneuver on runway 11. During the subsequent climb, the aircraft was unable to clear obstacles ahead. The aircraft's stall warning sounded repeatedly as the pilot attempted to trade airspeed for altitude. The aircraft eventually struck the canopy of tall oak and ash trees, which cushioned the impact and left the aircraft suspended vertically, nose-down, approximately six meters above the ground. Both crew members managed to exit the aircraft and were eventually assisted down by local residents using a ladder.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the aircraft's propulsion system, the aerodrome conditions, and crew coordination. Investigators found that the aircraft was experiencing a mechanical non-compliance; the propeller was unable to reach the minimum static RPM of 2200 specified in the flight manual, with tests showing it did not exceed 2050 RPM. Additionally, the investigation examined the aerodrome, noting that Côja was an uncertified field in a state of abandonment, with high grass on the runway shoulders.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft's inability to clear obstacles during the climb.
- A significant contributing factor was the reduced propeller thrust, as the engine failed to meet the manufacturer's minimum static RPM requirements.
- There was a breakdown in communication regarding the landing type; the supervisor intended for a full-stop landing, while the pilot flying assumed a touch-and-go maneuver.
- The supervisor's decision to discuss non-essential historical details during the critical approach phase diverted attention from vital runway information.
- The presence of high grass on the runway edges contributed to the aircraft's deviation during the landing roll.
- The proximity of mountainous terrain to the east of the runway made the climb-out particularly hazardous.