What happened
On the evening of May 29, 2003, a Piper PA-12 aircraft, registration F-BFQO, was engaged in a private flight from Monthelon to Bar-le-Duc with one passenger on board. Before departure, the pilot positioned the aircraft approximately 100 meters past the threshold of runway 22, as the grass at the start of the runway appeared too tall.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the ground roll was longer than usual, which he attributed to the high ambient temperature. Despite the extended roll, the pilot continued the takeoff attempt. As the aircraft reached the end of the runway, it lifted slightly but immediately entered an adjacent wheat field. The wheels and propeller struck the crops, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest on its back. The accident resulted in two injuries (the pilot and the passenger) and substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the takeoff performance and the pilot's decision-making process. The aircraft was within its weight and balance limits, weighing approximately 150 kg below its maximum takeoff mass. While the standard takeoff distance for this type at maximum weight is roughly 320 meters, the actual ground roll recorded was 180 meters.
The investigators examined the runway conditions, noting that the unpaved surface had not been mowed for over a month, with grass reaching heights of 40 centimeters in some areas. The pilot also noted the absence of a windsock at the aerodrome, leading him to estimate the wind as calm.