Overview
On 14 December 2016, a Diamond DA40 aircraft experienced an incident during takeoff from runway 28 at Poznań-Ławica Airport (EPPO). The pilot, with a full complement of passengers on board, initiated a climb at 60 knots without extending the flaps to the takeoff position. This resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Circumstances
The aircraft veered to the right and settled onto a grassy area adjacent to the runway. After taxiing back and conducting a post‑incident inspection, the pilot performed a second takeoff and departed for EPBC (Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport), where the aircraft landed without further issues.
Cause
The investigation determined the cause to be the failure to extend the flaps to the takeoff (T/O) position during the takeoff, combined with a low takeoff roll speed given the aircraft’s weight, which was close to its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). A contributing factor was the pilot’s limited experience with takeoffs at full load.
Preventive Actions
The incident was discussed with the company's other flying personnel. No safety recommendations were issued by the investigation board.