What happened
On 10 June 2016, a Piper PA-28-181 was participating in a general aviation tour at Saint-Hubert Airfield (EBSH) in Belgium. While performing a take-off from a grass runway, the aircraft experienced a series of unexpected bounces. During the initial bounce, the pilot inadvertently pulled the throttle back, causing a momentary reduction in power. Although the co-pilot pushed the throttle forward again, the aircraft failed to reach its required rotation speed and continued to bounce along the runway.
As the aircraft gained speed, the intensity of the bounces increased, leading to a loss of directional control. The aircraft deviated from the runway centerline, eventually striking the airfield's perimeter fence. The impact caused the aircraft to overturn a section of the fence and crash into an adjacent field. Although all 4 occupants evacuated the aircraft immediately, the plane was subsequently consumed by fire and was totally destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The runway surface was wet due to recent weather, which increased the required take-off distance. Analysis of the ground traces indicated that the aircraft's pitch was likely too high at certain points, possibly due to excessive elevator back pressure, which contributed to the premature and unstable lift-off attempts.
Engine performance was found to be within normal parameters, but the investigation noted that the aircraft's actual weight was likely higher than the crew had calculated. Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the cockpit dynamics, specifically the lack of a formal procedure for transferring controls when the co-pilot intervened to adjust the throttle.