Morane Saulnier 892 strikes perimeter fence during rolling takeoff

Casualties unknown • Benavente, PT

A Morane Saulnier 892 aircraft sustained substantial damage after veering off the runway and colliding with a fence during a training flight in Benavente, Portugal.

What happened

On December 4, 2010, a Morane Saulnier 892 (registration CS-AFP), operated by Avitrata, was performing a local training flight at the Garrocheira landing strip in Benavente. The flight was accompanied by two passengers.

To expedite the departure, the pilot opted for a rolling takeoff using runway 21, starting from near the parking area rather than aligning with the runway centerline. As the pilot applied takeoff power, the aircraft began to veer sharply to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the trajectory using right rudder; however, due to the low airspeed, this action increased the wind's surface area on the vertical stabilizer, exacerbating the leftward swing. Realizing the aircraft was heading toward the perimeter fence, the pilot reduced power, but the aircraft ultimately collided with the boundary fence. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse upon hitting uneven terrain, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the leading edges of both wings, the propeller spinner, and the lower fuselage.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to perform a rolling takeoff on a runway that exposed the aircraft to a left crosswind and tailwind component. This, combined with engine torque and propeller slipstream effects, created a leftward yaw that the pilot could not counteract at low speeds, leading to the collision with the nearby fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-12-04 MORANE-SAULNIER RALL accident near Benavente, PT?

A Morane Saulnier 892 aircraft sustained substantial damage after veering off the runway and colliding with a fence during a training flight in Benavente, Portugal.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-12-04 involved a MORANE-SAULNIER RALL, registration CS-AFP, at Benavente, PT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to perform a rolling takeoff on a runway that exposed the aircraft to a left crosswind and tailwind component. This, combined with engine torque and propeller slipstream effects, created a leftward yaw that the pilot could not counteract at low speeds, leading to the…

Loading the flight search…