What happened
On July 10, 2016, at approximately 16:55 UTC, a Piper PA28-161 was performing a private flight from Benesov, Czech Republic, to Zell am See, Austria. The pilot, who had limited flight experience in alpine terrain, was accompanied by a safety pilot and two passengers.
Upon arrival at Zell am See, the pilot prepared for a short-field takeoff using runway 08 with flaps set to 25°. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off but failed to maintain altitude, touching down again briefly before the pilot attempted a second rotation near the end of the runway. The aircraft failed to climb, drifting left and striking a wire fence approximately 42 meters beyond the runway end. The aircraft then traveled across a meadow and collided with the embankment of a ditch parallel to the B3/11 highway. The impact caused a fire in the engine compartment. All four occupants sustained serious injuries, and the safety pilot later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation
The Austrian SUB investigated the sequence of events, examining the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's experience, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's configuration, noting it was set for a short-field takeoff. Investigators also examined the wind indicators at the airfield, noting that while a central windsock was available, a second windsock located on a hangar roof could have provided misleading information regarding wind direction.
Findings
- The pilot initiated the takeoff during a prevailing tailwind, as the wind was blowing from approximately 260°, while runway 08 was in use.
- The takeoff speed was insufficient, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway immediately after the initial liftoff.
- The pilot and safety pilot did not elect to abort the takeoff once the performance issues became apparent.
- There was no clear division of tasks between the pilot and the safety pilot.
- The safety pilot was only secured by a lap belt and was not using the available shoulder harness.
- The impact with the ditch embankment caused the safety pilot's upper body to strike the instrument panel, which significantly deformed the right control column.
- The aircraft's weight and balance were within permissible limits, and all maintenance was up to date.