What happened
On January 17, 2009, at 12:26 local time, a Siai Marchetti F 260 was performing a takeoff from runway 24 at the Leutkirch-Unterzeil airfield. During the initial climb, the engine began to sputter and experienced intermittent power losses. Due to the significant reduction in performance, the low-wing aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and struck the edge of a gravel bed located just beyond the end of the runway. At the time of this impact, the landing gear had already been retracted.
Following the initial contact with the gravel, the aircraft bounced and slid forward. While engine power had partially restored, the aircraft struck the high roadside curb of the L304 highway with significant force. The impact caused the fuselage to buckle between the engine and the passenger compartment, and both propeller blades were severely deformed. The aircraft was then thrown across the road, landing upside down on a frozen meadow on the opposite side of the highway.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft and the engine system following the accident. The investigation confirmed that the Siai Marchetti F 260 had recently undergone a 1,000-hour inspection and an annual check in 2008 and was documented as airworthy. Investigators also examined the cockpit configuration and found that the fuel selector switch was set to the right wing tank position.
Findings
- The engine experienced sputtering and power loss during the takeoff roll and initial climb.
- The aircraft struck a roadside curb, causing structural failure of the fuselage.
- No technical defects in the propulsion system were found that could explain the engine's intermittent performance.
- The pilot and the passenger both sustained serious spinal injuries.