What happened
On June 21, 2023, a pilot operating a Cessna F152, registration SP-CKP, attempted a takeoff from the runway at Grądy aerodrome during a navigational flight between Grądy and Łódź. During the takeoff roll, the pilot initiated rotation at an insufficient airspeed while at near-critical angles of attack. This caused the aircraft to stall and drop, leading to an uncontrolled bounce on the runway surface.
Following the initial impact, the pilot reacted with an aggressive forward push on the control column, which caused a second impact on the runway, specifically striking the nose gear. The aircraft underwent two additional bounces, which ultimately resulted in the nose gear breaking, the propeller striking the ground, and the engine stalling. The aircraft came to a stop approximately 200 meters before the end of the runway. The pilot sustained no injuries, but the aircraft suffered significant damage, including a broken nose gear, a destroyed propeller, and damage to the engine mount.
The investigation
The investigation examined cockpit/runway surveillance footage, technical documentation, and environmental conditions. The aircraft was fully fueled with 140 liters of fuel and was within its maximum takeoff mass (MTOM). The investigation noted that the ambient temperature was 26°C, which was 11°C above the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) temperature. Technical records confirmed the aircraft was airworthy and maintained according to regulations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the attempt to rotate the aircraft at an insufficient airspeed at near-critical angles of attack, leading to a stall and uncontrolled runway bounces.
- The pilot's improper reactions to the aircraft bouncing on the runway surface contributed to the severity of the impact.
- Inadequate pre-flight preparation, specifically the failure to calculate the aircraft's center of gravity for the specific loading conditions, was a contributing factor.
- High ambient temperatures may have degraded aircraft performance and increased the stall speed.