Flight History
On 24 August 2025, at 15:44 hrs, a Piper PA-28-140, registration D-EDVJ, was taking off from Skånes-Fagerhult Airport in Fagerhult, Skåne County, Sweden. The aircraft carried a pilot and one passenger. During the take-off roll in gusty north-westerly winds, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain and a forest area immediately beyond the runway end.
The recommended take-off procedures from the aircraft’s flight manual were not followed. After rotation, the pilot used the excess speed to climb instead of accelerating to the best angle-of-climb speed. Consequently, the necessary speed to safely clear obstacles was never attained. When the pilot raised the nose further to avoid treetops, the aircraft entered a region on the wrong side of the drag curve, making it impossible to climb without first increasing airspeed.
After passing the first wooded area, the pilot briefly managed to increase speed over a clearing, but still could not clear the next copse of trees. In an instinctive attempt to avoid a nose-first collision, the pilot pulled back on the control yoke. This caused the critical angle of attack to be exceeded and lift to decrease just before impact.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot escaped without injuries. The passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained extensive damage. There was some environmental impact at the accident site.
Cause of the Accident
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority determined that the accident resulted from several interacting factors: insufficient performance calculation, deviation from the recommended take-off procedures, and gusty wind conditions. These factors together led to inadequate safety margins for a safe take-off.
Investigation Findings
No technical faults were identified on the aircraft that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot was qualified, but the pre-flight risk assessment was inadequate. The rescue operation, directed by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) to the correct location, was carried out effectively. The use of seatbelts and the cushioning effect of vegetation helped prevent more serious injuries.