What happened
On February 17, 2021, a private pilot attempted to depart from an agricultural field in the Curacaví commune, a location not designated as an aerodrome. The flight was intended as a ferry mission to move the Piper PA-28-160 to the Curacaví Aerodrome.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the aircraft was not reaching the target rotation speed of 65 mph. Despite this, the pilot continued the maneuver. The aircraft eventually reached the target speed but required a much longer ground roll than anticipated. Upon rotation, the aircraft failed to maintain a positive climb. The main landing gear made contact with the ground again, leaving tracks for 25 meters.
In an attempt to climb, the pilot increased the nose attitude and reduced engine power. This maneuver led to a loss of airspeed and an aerodynamic stall. While attempting to recover, the aircraft's right main gear struck tree branches, causing the plane to pivot sharply to the right. The aircraft then struck a shed adjacent to a private residence, which ignited a fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was destroyed by the impact and fire, and the nearby structure sustained significant damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the terrain conditions, and the pilot's actions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had recently undergone engine repairs and was operating under a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the ferry flight.
Investigators analyzed the takeoff surface, noting it was soft earth and dry grass, which naturally increases takeoff distance. They also reviewed the aircraft's flight manual, which specifies a rotation speed between 50 and 60 mph and allows for a 25-degree flap configuration to shorten takeoff distances. The investigation also looked into the pilot's decision-making process regarding the decision to continue the takeoff despite the lack of expected performance.