What happened
On July 6, 2011, at approximately 11:20 UTC, a Cessna 172 Skyhawk was performing a takeoff from runway 25 at Mauterndorf Airfield, Salzburg. The flight had previously experienced an engine issue during landing, which the pilot addressed by leaning the mixture as advised by the aircraft owner.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot did not utilize flaps, which increased the required takeoff and climb distances by 10% according to the aircraft flight manual. The pilot also began the takeoff from a displaced threshold rather than the full length of the runway, failing to utilize the available runway distance effectively.
After rotating at approximately 58 knots, the pilot noted a sudden drop in engine power, with RPM falling from 2300 to approximately 2000. As the aircraft climbed, the passenger alerted the pilot to the presence of overhead power lines to the right. In an instinctive attempt to avoid the obstacle, the pilot initiated a left turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to fly near its stall speed, resulting in a stall of the left wing and a subsequent crash into a nearby meadow.
The investigation
The SUB examined the aircraft's airworthiness, maintenance records, and engine performance. Investigations confirmed that the engine, including the ignition system, fuel system, and oil system, was in good working order. A test run on a calibrated engine test stand showed that the engine produced the required power and was controllable across the entire RPM range. No mechanical failures or fuel contamination were found.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, which were valid, and the aircraft's weight and balance, which were within limits. The takeoff calculations were analyzed, noting that while the available runway was technically sufficient for a flapless takeoff, the pilot's decision to use a displaced threshold and the lack of flaps increased the difficulty of the climb.