Introduction
On 15 September 2016, a Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga II TC, registration I-ESSE, was involved in an accident near the mouth of the Ishëm River in Albania. The aircraft was conducting a private flight under visual flight rules (VFR). No flight plan was filed, and no communication was established with air traffic control.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-32R-301T Saratoga II TC, serial number not specified in the preliminary report. It was powered by a Lycoming TIO-540-AH1A engine (300 hp) driving a Hartzell three-blade constant-speed propeller. The aircraft was equipped for VFR flight and did not carry a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's statement, he landed on what he described as a landing strip. He then attempted a take-off. During the take-off roll, the left main wheel encountered a hole in the terrain, causing the wheel to detach from its axle. The aircraft lost balance, the nose struck the ground, and the propeller blades deformed. The aircraft continued sliding through shrubs and came to rest approximately 200 metres from the location where the left wheel was found. The left wheel was discovered about 250 paces from the aircraft. A piece of metal skin, about 50 cm long, was found approximately 30 metres northwest of the wheel. The aircraft came to rest facing west, embedded in thick brush. External damage included the left landing gear, tail, wings, fuselage, and propeller. The interior of the aircraft was not damaged.
Pilot Statement
The sole occupant was the pilot. He reported that after landing normally, he attempted a take-off. During the take-off, the left wheel struck a hole and broke. The pilot stated that he did not switch on the transponder or radio before or during the flight. He explained that he intended to take off immediately and would communicate after becoming airborne. The pilot did not report any health concerns or in-flight fire. He exited the aircraft by himself after it stopped.
Weather
Meteorological information from MeteoAlb and the pilot indicated that weather conditions were good throughout the flight, from departure until the accident. Atmospheric conditions were excluded as a contributing factor.
Communications
The aircraft did not communicate with Albcontrol (the Albanian air navigation service provider) at any time. No flight plan was filed, and no permission for the flight was granted by the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). The pilot confirmed the lack of communication.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Albanian National Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Body (OKIIA), found that the terrain where the landing was attempted was unsuitable. The area consisted of shrubs, small trees, and numerous holes of various sizes. The exact landing spot could not be determined due to the soft ground. The pilot was unfamiliar with the terrain.
Probable Cause
The OKIIA preliminary report stated that the accident occurred as a result of the following factors, which acted cumulatively: (1) pilot errors for not switching on the transponder and radio, confirmed by the pilot; (2) pilot errors for not communicating with air navigation services during take-off, flight, and the attempted take-off, confirmed by the pilot; (3) unsuitable terrain for landing; and (4) pilot's unfamiliarity with the terrain.