History of Flight
On 23 August 2011, at approximately 16:45 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112, registration D-EJLK, collided with trees near the Côja aerodrome shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had departed from Coimbra aerodrome around 16:00 UTC and performed two touch-and-go landings at Lousã aerodrome before proceeding north towards Viseu. While approaching Côja, one pilot requested a landing at the local airstrip, citing familiarity from previous firefighting operations. The other pilot maneuvered for a left base leg for runway 11. During the final approach, the aircraft touched down about one-third of the way down the runway. The pilot then initiated a touch-and-go without prior coordination, surprising the other pilot. The aircraft became airborne approximately 100 meters before the runway end. The pilot flying then turned right, attempting to avoid higher terrain, but the aircraft struck the tops of large trees and came to rest suspended in branches about six meters above ground. Both pilots exited the aircraft with assistance from local residents who provided a ladder.
Injuries
One pilot sustained minor scrapes on a leg and face; the other pilot was uninjured. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was destroyed.
Cause of Accident
The investigation determined that the accident resulted from the aircraft's inability to overcome obstacles due to a reduction in propeller traction.