What happened
On September 4, 2022, at approximately 16:00 LMT, a Piper PA-28-180, registration LN-AAC, arrived at Jastarnia Airport (EPJA) carrying the pilot and three passengers. The pilot intended to fly to Elbląg (EPEL) and had completed a pre-flight inspection and reviewed METAR information for Pruszcz Gdański (EPPR).
After engine start and taxiing to the threshold of runway 30, the takeoff roll commenced. During the takeoff run, the aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently, lifting off at approximately three-quarters of the runway length. The pilot maintained an altitude of roughly 4 meters while flying at speeds between 55 and 60 knots, near critical angles of attack. To avoid trees located at the end of the runway, the pilot executed a left turn into a gap between the trees, which led the aircraft over the waters of the Puck Bay. Due to the sustained flight parameters and the low altitude, the pilot transitioned to level flight and pushed the control column forward to prevent a stall. The aircraft subsequently landed on the water, coming to rest on a sandbar in approximately 0.5 meters of depth. The pilot and passengers evacuated the aircraft and reached the shore safely. Emergency services, including police, medical, and fire departments, responded to the scene.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff performance, the pilot's decision-making, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The inquiry focused on the aircraft's acceleration, the maneuver performed to avoid obstacles, and the operational preparation for the flight.