What happened
On 1 July 2020, a recreational flight was underway at the Warsaw-Babice aerodrome (EPBC). The pilot, a holder of a PPL(A) with extensive flight experience, had previously landed at the aerodrome and returned later that evening to perform a return flight to Częstochowa-Rudniki (EPRU). Due to a separate occurrence on the airfield that had rendered the concrete runway unavailable, the pilot elected to use the grass runway 28.
To utilize what was perceived to be a better surface, the pilot positioned the Piper PA-46-500TP, registration SP-EVA, closer to the right edge of the grass runway. During the take-off run, the aircraft accelerated normally until reaching approximately 55 knots, at which point it suddenly deviated to the right. The pilot attempted to correct this by applying heavy left pedal input. This dynamic reaction caused the aircraft to swing left, leading to a nose-down pitch that brought the propeller into contact with the ground. The impact destroyed the propeller blades and caused the nose landing gear strut to detach. As the aircraft continued to move sideways, the main landing gear legs collapsed, causing the aircraft to rotate and come to rest on the grass. The pilot was uninjured and able to exit the aircraft unaided.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully licensed, medically fit, and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The aircraft was found to be properly maintained, with engine parameters and weight and balance within prescribed limits. The investigation also noted that emergency services were already present at the aerodrome due to a separate incident on the concrete runway, allowing for immediate assistance to the pilot.
Findings
- The weather conditions were excellent, with clear skies and good visibility, and had no impact on the accident.
- The use of the grass runway was necessitated by the unavailability of the concrete runway.
- The pilot initiated the take-off run near the right edge of the runway rather than along the centerline.
- The loss of direction during the take-off run was the primary cause of the accident.
- The pilot's highly dynamic corrective input created excessive force on the deflected nose landing gear, leading to the detachment of the nose gear strut.