What happened
On April 27, 2007, at approximately 15:50 local time, a Scheibe SF.25C Falke glider, registration OE-9260, was attempting a takeoff from Massa Cinquale Airport (LILQ) for a VFR recreational flight. The aircraft, operated by Flugring Traunsee, was part of a group of gliders traveling toward Corsica.
During the initial takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the aircraft at approximately one-third of the runway length. However, the glider failed to climb and subsequently settled back onto the runway. The pilot attempted a second takeoff, which resulted in the same outcome. On a third attempt, the aircraft rotated but lost control of its flight path, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground. This impact induced a yaw that sent the glider off the runway at high speed. The aircraft breached the airport perimeter fence, crossed a public road, and finally came to a halt after striking a public lighting pole and a secondary fence. There were no injuries to the two occupants, who exited the aircraft unaided.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's actions, and the airport environment. Technical inspections of the engine and flight controls showed no mechanical failures or obstructions. The aircraft was near its maximum takeoff mass, but the center of gravity was within limits. Witnesses at the airfield corroborated the pilot's account of the sequence of events.
Investigators also noted that the airport runway was in good condition with short grass, and the runway length provided more than enough distance to safely stop the aircraft in the event of an engine failure. However, the investigation revealed significant damage to the airport's perimeter fencing along the southeast side of the runway.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to continue with subsequent takeoff attempts after the first failure was inappropriate, as it reduced the available stopping distance.
- The initial failed climbs were likely due to an incorrect maneuver, specifically rotating before reaching the required airspeed.
- The third attempt likely resulted in an aerodynamic stall due to insufficient speed.
- The pilot failed to apply brakes promptly and did not reduce engine power quickly enough after the wingtip struck the ground.
- The pilot's focus on directional control after the yaw prevented timely deceleration.
Safety action
- ANSV-10/271-07/1/A/07: The ANSV issued a recommendation to the national civil aviation authority to ensure the airport operator repairs the damaged perimeter fencing, as the current state of the fence allows unauthorized access by people and stray animals, posing a risk to flight operations.