Piper PA28RT N4353U Runway Overrun at Montpellier-Candillargues

Incident Overview and Flight Details On August 22, 2013, at 11:05 local time, a Piper PA28RT registered N4353U, operated by a private individual, departed from runway 14 at the aerodrome of Montpellier-Candillargues (34) for a general aviation flight toward the Pyrenees. The aircraft carried a pilot and one passenger. During the takeoff roll, the pilot aborted the departure and the aircraft overran the runway longitudinally, resulting in heavy damage to the aircraft. ## Operational Sequence and Environmental Conditions The pilot set takeoff power and released the brakes once maximum engine speed was reached. Early in the roll, the airspeed indicator became active and engine parameters appeared normal. At the first third of the runway, the pilot observed an indicated airspeed of 39 knots. By mid-runway, the speed indication had not changed. The pilot perceived a loss of engine power and an abnormal noise, prompting the decision to abort the takeoff and apply maximum braking. As the aircraft approached the runway end, the pilot turned left to avoid a pond located on the runway centerline. The aircraft then overran the runway, skidded, and the right main landing gear collapsed. Estimated weather conditions at the time were wind from 080 degrees at 4 knots, CAVOK, and a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. The aircraft's mass and center of gravity were within manufacturer limits. Under the day's conditions and configuration, the rotation speed was 75 knots, the required takeoff runway length was approximately 670 meters, and the takeoff roll distance was approximately 625 meters. ## Maintenance History and Technical Findings The pilot reported that pre-takeoff engine tests had not revealed any specific issues, although the engine took longer than usual to reach takeoff speed. At the moment the brakes were released, all engine parameters were normal. The pilot had previously noted that in high heat, the engine experienced power drops and detonations during power application. The engine had been inspected multiple times for this issue. During the annual inspection on February 23, 2013, cylinders, valves, pistons, and associated parts were replaced, and the fuel injection system was adjusted. On July 19, 2013, an oil change was performed, the oil filter was replaced, and a new fuel injection system adjustment was made. Examination of the engine did not reveal a major failure but showed that the magnetos were in a degraded state and that the fuel injection pressure was higher than specified by the manufacturer's documentation. The airspeed indicator functioned normally during a bench test, but its examination revealed that the diaphragm compensation screw was loose. The pilot had a total of 6,873 flight hours, including 187 hours in the last three months and 14 hours on type.