What happened
On May 15, 2003, a Piper PA 34-200 T (registration HB-LLR), operated by Flugschule Basel AG, was preparing for a scheduled passenger flight from Basel-Mulhouse to Dresden. The flight experienced several delays prior to departure, including the late arrival of passengers and difficulties starting one of the engines. Additionally, the pilot had to negotiate a departure clearance that required a flight level incompatible with the aircraft's climb performance.
During the takeoff roll on runway 16, the aircraft veered to the left after traveling approximately 315 meters. The aircraft exited the runway before taxiway G, striking a runway identification sign and crossing the taxiway into the airfield''s safety areas. The impact caused the left landing gear to collapse and the right wing's fuel tank to be torn away. The aircraft eventually came to a halt in a field approximately 60 meters from the runway edge, performing a ground loop. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers, though the pilot was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of directional control and the pilot's physical condition. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the airframe was within its service limits. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's medical history and recent health indicators.
Medical examinations conducted after the accident revealed that the pilot had been suffering from an evolving coronary artery disease. An electrocardiogram indicated that the pilot had likely experienced a myocardial infarction several weeks prior to the accident. Furthermore, the investigation noted that during a medical examination in December 2002, the pilot presented with several cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the sudden incapacitation of the pilot due to an acute cardiac event.
- The pilot had underlying cardiovascular risk factors that were identified during previous medical assessments.
- Stressors during the pre-flight phase, including engine start difficulties and clearance negotiations, likely contributed to the onset of the medical emergency.
- The aircraft's left landing gear failed upon impact, and the resulting ground loop prevented the aircraft from traveling further into the airport infrastructure.