What happened
On March 12, 2007, a Tecnam P 92 ECHO, registration PH-3B6, was conducting an overland flight from Drachten to Lelystad Airport. The aircraft, a Micro Light Aeroplane (MLA), was carrying a pilot and one passenger. The flight proceeded normally under visual flight rules until the final approach to runway 23, a section of the airfield dedicated to MLA operations.
During the approach, the pilot configured the aircraft with 15 degrees of flaps and set the carburetor heat to the 'warm' position, maintaining a speed of approximately 60 knots. As the aircraft reached the midpoint of the runway without touching down, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power. However, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude. The plane struck several tree branches located beyond the runway end before coming to a rest on an embankment belonging to the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) Test Center. Both occupants sustained light injuries (abrasions), but the aircraft was totally destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation, based on data provided by the pilot and the National Police (KLPD), focused on the circumstances surrounding the failed climb. The investigation established that the weather conditions at Lelysted Airport were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km and light winds. The pilot reported that the aircraft's total weight was near the 450 kg maximum limit, with the center of gravity within limits.
Evidence suggested that the pilot, who had limited experience with the specific runway at Lelystad, may have been distracted while attempting to align the aircraft with the runway. This distraction likely led to an incorrect assessment of the aircraft's height, resulting in the aircraft being too high at the start of the runway. The investigation also noted that the pilot's configuration—specifically the use of 15-degree flaps—should have allowed for a successful climb if the aircraft had not touched the ground, provided there was no excessive drag.
Findings
- The pilot's use of the carburetor heat setting in the 'warm' position negatively impacted the available engine power during the critical climb phase.
- The pilot was distracted by the difficulty of locating the correct runway alignment, which likely led to an improper assessment of the aircraft's altitude during the approach.
- The aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg.