What happened
On July 9, 2021, at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time, a private Piper PA32RT-300T, registration TI-ANV, was operating a flight from Tobías Bolaños Palma International Airport (MRPV) to Tamarindo Aerodrome (MRTM). The aircraft initially arrived with four occupants, and two passengers disembarked upon arrival.
During the subsequent departure from Tamarindo, the aircraft was operated by the pilot and one passenger. While accelerating from the head of runway 25, the aircraft failed to reach the necessary performance and required airspeed. In response, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. During this maneuver, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to excursion across the active runway toward the threshold of runway 07. The aircraft struck the aerodrome's perimeter fence, impacting five concrete posts, before coming to rest in an adjacent pasture. The impact caused the right wing to detach from the fuselage, which subsequently ignited a fire.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Costa Rican Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Authority (AIA). The board examined photographic evidence, aircraft manuals, and environmental data, including meteorological conditions provided by the IMN regarding wind direction and intensity. The investigators also analyzed runway conditions and statements from visual observers to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained major damage, including a destroyed right wing due to fire, as well as damage to the left wing, propeller, and landing gear.
- There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
- The primary factor in the accident was the failure to achieve required takeoff performance and airspeed, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent loss of directional control.