Accident Overview
On 16 June 2021, a Piper PA-46-350P (Malibu Mirage) with registration ZS-OIK was involved in an accident during take-off from Runway 23 at Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG), KwaZulu-Natal Province. The flight was a private operation under Part 91 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations and was conducted in visual meteorological conditions by day. The pilot, a 64-year-old male holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence, had accrued 994.3 total flying hours, with 68.2 hours on type. One passenger was on board.
Pre-Flight and Take-Off
Before departure, the engine started without fault, and the aircraft was taxied to Runway 23. Pre-take-off checks revealed no abnormalities. The aircraft had 100 gallons of Avgas 100LL fuel in its tanks. The take-off distance with 10 degrees of flaps, as required by the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, was 1475 feet; the runway length at FAVG is 3035 feet. The aircraft was operated within its weight and balance limits.
Accident Sequence
During the take-off roll, the pilot observed that the engine was not producing sufficient power for take-off. He noted a manifold pressure of 39 inches, while the maximum was 42 inches. Consequently, the aircraft did not reach the recommended rotation speed of 80 to 85 knots. The pilot rotated at 65 knots. When he decided to abort the take-off, it was too late to stop on the remaining runway. The aircraft overran the runway and came to rest on the grass beyond it.
Aftermath
During the overrun, the nose gear strut collapsed and the propeller blade struck the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. However, both occupants were reportedly unharmed. The Engine Indication System (JPI) installed in the aircraft was removed for data download but did not record the accident flight; only data from a previous flight on 30 October 2020 was retrieved.
Probable Cause
The pilot lifted off before reaching the recommended take-off speed and when he decided to abort take-off, it was too late. The aircraft overshot the runway and came to a stop on the grass beyond the runway.