On January 29, 2002, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration V-615) operated by Swiss Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Altenrhein, Switzerland during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a grassy area adjacent to the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in no injuries to the pilot.
What happened
During the takeoff phase of flight, the pilot experienced a loss of control of the aircraft. This resulted in the plane veering off the runway and impacting a grassy area located beside the airstrip.
At the time of the incident, the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft. Despite the impact, the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries. The aircraft sustained damage that was determined to be beyond repair, rendering it a total loss.
Findings
The aircraft departed from the runway surface during the takeoff sequence.
Loss of control was the primary factor in the departure from the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll.