Accident Overview
On 16 July 2022, at approximately 13:30 UTC, a Pipistrel Virus 121 SW, registered as S5-DTR, experienced a rejected takeoff on runway 11 at Celje Airport (LJCL), Slovenia. The aircraft sustained damage to the wing, propeller, nose landing gear, and lower fuselage. Neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured.
Flight Details
The pilot planned a panoramic flight from Celje to SIOFOK in Hungary and back. Pre-flight checks were completed, including a full fuel fill, engine run-up, and brake test. The weather was suitable for VFR flight. During the takeoff roll at full power, the aircraft accelerated but did not reach rotation speed. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff.
Sequence of Events
While braking, the aircraft began to swerve left and right. The left wing then right wing struck the grassy runway surface. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground, affecting engine operation. The aircraft came to a stop, and both occupants exited unaided.
Pilot Information
The pilot held valid PPL(A) and ultralight motor aircraft licenses, with a total flight time of 110 hours and 26 minutes. The pilot had flown 13 hours and 6 minutes in the preceding month and 2 hours and 58 minutes the day before the accident. The pilot had recently obtained the licenses and maintained currency without significant interruptions.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Pipistrel Virus 121 SW, serial number VSW1210089, manufactured in 2022 and registered on 5 July 2022. It had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness until 5 July 2023. Examination revealed no pre-existing defects in the airframe, engine, propeller, or control systems. The takeoff weight, including fuel, occupants, and baggage, was within the maximum limits specified in the Pilot Operating Handbook.
Weather Conditions
Weather data from the Medlog automatic station, near the airport, showed favorable VMC conditions. Wind speed at the time was below 2 m/s, with no significant impact on the event.
Data Analysis
GPS data from the onboard navigation equipment indicated that the takeoff roll reached slightly over 60 knots (110 km/h) before power was reduced. The aircraft began to drift left, then sharply turned right before stopping. A propeller pitch change occurred just before engine power was reduced.
Conclusions
The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The exact cause of the aborted takeoff and subsequent directional control loss was not determined in the provided report.
Probable Cause
Not specified in the source.