What happened
On 22 May 2023, a SOCATA TB20, registration F-GDNU, was attempting a cross-country flight from Langogne-Lespéron aerodrome to Cannes-Mandelieu. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot accompanied by four passengers.
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll on unpaved runway 22, starting approximately 60 meters from the threshold. During the takeoff run, the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 62 kt. At an estimated speed of 65 kt, the pilot applied a nose-up input to rotate. However, the aircraft barely lifted off the ground before touching down again. The aircraft then overran the runway, deviating slightly to the left, and traveled approximately 100 meters into a thicket, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation relied on data from the SkyDemon application, pilot statements, and aerodrome information. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance, which was approximately 1,350 kg, near the maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kg.
The runway condition was noted as wet and muddy due to heavy rainfall the previous day. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the specific takeoff configuration used. It was established that the pilot chose to fly with the flaps retracted, a configuration for which the flight manual does not provide specific performance tables. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot's rotation attempt occurred at a speed lower than the 68 kt rotation speed specified for the takeoff flap configuration.
Findings
Several factors led to the runway overrun:
- The decision to perform the takeoff in a flaps-retracted configuration, which prevented the use of calculated performance data from the flight manual.
- The aircraft's insufficient acceleration caused by the wet, unpaved runway surface and the high takeoff weight.
- The pilot's attempt to rotate the aircraft at a speed lower than the manufacturer's recommended rotation speed.
- The reduction in available takeoff distance due to the takeoff roll beginning 60 meters past the runway threshold.