What happened
On September 19, 2010, a Cessna 172N, registration D-ECBF, was participating in the "Flügel der Welt/Ali del Mondo 2010" airshow in Campo Tures, Italy. Following the conclusion of the event, the pilot attempted a takeoff from runway 34. The aircraft, carrying four occupants, utilized 10 degrees of flaps for the departure.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated slowly and lifted off near the end of the runway at approximately 55 knots. Shortly after rotation, the stall warning activated, prompting the pilot to reduce the aircraft's pitch. As the pilot initiated a left turn to avoid nearby buildings and navigate around local terrain, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted an agricultural field adjacent to the takeoff area. The aircraft came to rest in an overturned position, sustaining substantial damage to the landing gear, fuselage, wing structure, and propeller. All four occupants managed to exit the aircraft without serious injuries.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's performance, the runway conditions, and the operational environment. Investigators determined that the aircraft was operating at a weight exceeding its maximum takeoff mass of 1043 kg, estimated to be over 1060 kg at the time of departure. The runway, a leveled strip of earth, was noted to be very wet and heavy due to recent weather.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the suitability of the takeoff area. The site was not a registered aerodrome but a field used for recreational flight activities. The investigation also noted that the takeoff direction (runway 34) required an immediate and decisive left turn to avoid residential buildings, creating a complex maneuvering requirement immediately following liftoff.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an aerodynamic stall that led to a loss of control at low altitude.
- The pilot failed to adequately manage the takeoff phase, specifically regarding the aircraft's weight and the runway's characteristics.
- The aircraft was operating in an overweight condition.
- The available takeoff run was inadequate for the aircraft's mass and the wet, heavy state of the runway surface.
- The presence of obstacles, including nearby houses and mountainous terrain, necessitated a sharp turning maneuver immediately after takeoff.