Accident Overview
On 2 June 2018, an AT-3 R100 aircraft, registered SP-GDL, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Nowy Targ airport (EPNT). The aircraft was privately owned and operated. The flight was intended as a cross-country trip from Wola Krakowiańska to Hévíz-Balaton Airport (LHSM) in Hungary, but adverse weather forced a diversion to Nowy Targ.
Sequence of Events
After landing at Nowy Targ around 15:27 LMT, the pilots waited out a heavy rain shower. About three hours later, at approximately 18:20, they decided to return to Wola Krakowiańska. They taxied to the threshold of runway 12. The runway surface was grass and had become soft due to the previous intense rainfall. The more experienced pilot (pilot 2, with about 950 hours total, 250 on type) handled the takeoff. A run-up check was performed, and the takeoff roll began at about 18:27.
According to pilot statements, the takeoff roll appeared normal initially, with rotation at 43 kt and liftoff after about 300 m. However, the aircraft could not accelerate beyond 47 kt and would not climb. The pilot attempted a go-around but the aircraft touched down lightly, then lifted off again. Soon after, a precautionary landing was decided, but the aircraft struck a container located about 650 m from the threshold of runway 12. The right wing contacted the container, causing the aircraft to yaw around and come to rest facing the opposite direction. The nose landing gear leg was bent to the right.
Investigation Findings
Airport surveillance footage showed that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft never appeared to be airborne; water splashes from the wheels were visible. The final portion of runway 12 slopes upward, making the surface there firmer as water had drained away. The aircraft lifted off just before a grassy area beyond the runway but could not transition to a climb. The container struck was a storage unit near a football field. Damage to the container included paint transfer, displaced hinges, and bent metal. The left wing leading edge showed an indentation matching a strip attached to the container wall, and a hasp had pierced the wing skin.
Pilot Information
The two pilots were the aircraft owner (pilot 2) and another pilot (pilot 1). Pilot 2, age 46, held a PPL(A) with SEP(L), MEP(L), and IR ratings, and had about 950 total flight hours (250 on type). Pilot 1, age 24, held a PPL(A) with SEP(L) and night ratings, with about 245 total hours (10 on type). Both pilots held valid medical certificates. Neither pilot sustained injuries.
Weather Conditions
At the time of takeoff, conditions were VMC with light wind from 100°. Approximately three hours earlier, a very intense rainfall had occurred, leaving the grass runway waterlogged and soft. The report states that weather conditions at takeoff were good and did not contribute to the accident.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by the decision to take off despite the poor condition of the runway surface (soft after heavy rain), which resulted in a prolonged takeoff run and, consequently, continuation of the takeoff beyond the airport area.