What happened
On the day of the incident, a flight operated under IFR conditions traveled from La Môle to Quiberon. Following the arrival, the pilot discovered that AVGAS refueling was unavailable at Quiberon, a detail not included in recent NOTAMs. To facilitate the return trip to St Tropez-La Môle, the pilot planned a refueling stop at Vannes-Meucon Airport. The pilot noted significant frustration regarding the lack of fuel availability and the prevailing poor weather conditions.
During the departure from Vannes-Meucon Airport, the aircraft began its takeoff roll on runway 22. Rotation occurred within the initial third of the runway. Shortly after liftoff, the pilot observed the engine cowling opening. Believing the oil dipstick might not have been properly secured, the pilot initiated an immediate aborted takeoff.
In an attempt to stop the aircraft before the runway end, the pilot adjusted the power levers to the full, reduced, and choke positions. However, due to the high speed of the aircraft, the plane failed to stop within the paved surface, coming to rest 200 metres before the runway end. The aircraft crossed the runway end safety area (RESA) and eventually stopped on an embankment approximately 100 metres beyond the runway. The aircraft, which sustained a partially torn left wing and was declared a total loss, did not catch fire. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the zero fatalities accident without injury.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was prompted by the visual observation of an open engine cowling.
- The aircraft's high speed at the time of the abort prevented it from stopping before the runway end.