What happened
On December 31, 2009, a Cessna 172 S, registered F-OHXY, was performing a flight from Saint-François, Guadeloupe, to Canefield, Dominica, carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the takeoff roll on runway 11, the aircraft underwent a premature rotation. Shortly after lifting off, the aircraft veered to the left and lost altitude, striking the ground at the edge of the runway. The impact caused the nose gear to break in a rut, and the aircraft came to rest on its nose approximately 20 meters from the runway edge. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the aircraft struck the ground with a high pitch attitude, a leftward bank, and a significant vertical velocity. The elevator trim was found in the nose-up position.
Evidence indicated that the rotation occurred much earlier than usual; while the aircraft's flight manual suggests a rotation speed of 51 knots for short-field takeoffs at maximum weight, the pilot performed the rotation at 65 knots. A witness noted that the rotation took place near a taxiway, approximately 210 meters from the runway threshold, whereas such rotations are typically performed further down the runway for this specific aircraft.
At the time of the accident, the aircraft's weight exceeded the maximum certified takeoff mass by approximately 10 kilograms, and the center of gravity was slightly toward the rear, though within manufacturer limits. The pilot had not flown a high-wing aircraft for approximately one year and had not performed a familiarization flight in this specific aircraft prior to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the lack of corrective action following a premature rotation.
- The pilot attempted to level the wings and use the right rudder to avoid trees, but the aircraft's descent continued.
- Insufficient takeoff checks were performed prior to departure.
- The aircraft's weight was slightly above the maximum allowable takeoff mass.