What happened
On June 28, 2022, a Piper PA28-161 Cadet, registration OY-JBF, was performing a training maneuver at Holbæk Airport (EKHK) when it experienced a loss of lift and struck a cornfield. The flight was a private training session involving three occupants, including a pilot and a flight instructor, intended to practice a short-field takeoff with obstacle clearance from runway 10.
During the takeoff roll, the crew utilized 25-degree flaps and maintained a high nose attitude, following procedures typically used for soft-field takeoffs. While the aircraft achieved liftoff at a low airspeed of approximately 40-4 an 45 knots, it failed to accelerate within ground effect. As the aircraft approached a line of low trees located near the end of the runway, the instructor took control to avoid a collision. In an attempt to maneuver away from the trees, the instructor applied left rudder and aileron inputs. This maneuver at a low altitude and low airspeed caused the left wing to lose lift, resulting in a hard landing in a nearby cornfield. The aircraft came to a stop after sliding approximately 80 to 100 meters through the crop.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board examined the technical status of the aircraft, the meteorological conditions, and the takeoff performance calculations. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in good technical condition and that the flight crew was properly certified. The weather was clear with visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and light winds.
Investigators analyzed the takeoff performance and the crew's decision-making regarding the runway surface. While the grass was short and dry, the investigation looked into whether the takeoff calculations sufficiently accounted for the rolling resistance of a grass surface compared to asphalt.