Introduction
On 10 June 2003, at approximately 14:39 UTC, a Diamond DA20 powered aircraft operated by a local flying club was involved in an accident near Salzburg, Austria. The aircraft had departed from Salzburg-Maxglan Airport for a training flight.
Flight Details
The pilot, a flight instructor, met with a student pilot at the hangar around 14:00 UTC. The aircraft was not refueled before departure as the instructor stated the tank was nearly full. They performed a preflight inspection together. During the flight, the student occupied the left seat and the instructor the right seat. The instructor started the engine, and the student taxied to holding point B of runway 16. After receiving takeoff clearance, the instructor took off at approximately 14:38 UTC. The aircraft lifted off at about 60 knots and entered a climb.
Accident Sequence
Approximately 30 seconds after takeoff, at an altitude of about 300 feet, the crew noticed the engine stuttering accompanied by strong vibrations, slight smoke, and a smell resembling a smoldering fire. The engine lost power, and the aircraft began to descend. The pilot transmitted a mayday call and, due to the low altitude, decided to attempt an off-field landing on a meadow southeast of the airport. After touchdown, the aircraft encountered a drainage ditch that was roughly perpendicular to the direction of the roll. The aircraft flipped over and came to rest inverted.
Aftermath
Both occupants sustained minor injuries. They were able to exit the cockpit independently by breaking the Plexiglas canopy. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.