Accident Overview
On 22 October 2010 at 14:56 UTC, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration D-GACR, was conducting a takeoff from runway 13 at M. R. Štefánika Airport (LZIB) in Bratislava, Slovakia. The intended destination was Wiener Neustadt/Ost Airport (LOAN) in Austria. The crew consisted of a 35-year-old Austrian pilot-in-command (holding a CPL with SEP, MEP, and TMG ratings) and a 49-year-old Austrian second pilot (also a CPL holder and flight instructor/examiner). Two passengers were also on board.
Sequence of Events
After receiving clearance from the tower, the crew taxied to the threshold of runway 13 and conducted pre-takeoff checks, including brakes, flight controls, flaps, and other systems, with no anomalies noted. During the takeoff roll, at an airspeed between 65 and 75 knots, the aircraft experienced an uncontrolled bank to the left. The left wingtip contacted the runway, and the aircraft lifted off briefly, with the nose reaching an estimated height of 3-4 meters. The crew responded by maintaining direction, setting propeller levers to idle, and shutting down the engines. The aircraft subsequently settled back onto the runway in the direction of takeoff and came to a stop on the right side of the runway. The landing gear was found in an intermediate retraction cycle. The crew egressed unassisted and uninjured and reported the situation to the tower.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were sustained by the two crew members and two passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including damage to the lower and forward fuselage, hard engine stoppage, and bent propeller blade tips.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft was moved to a hangar for examination of the landing gear system. With the aircraft on jacks, the gear was repeatedly cycled using an external power source. During these tests, an excessive current draw was observed, causing dimming of cockpit lights and maximum deflection of the ammeter; the gear circuit breaker also tripped. Upon removing the plastic cover of the gear selector switch, a loose screw (MS35206C216) with a washer (MS35333-70) was found resting on the electrical contacts of the gear selector. After removal of the screw and washer, the gear system functioned normally without excessive current draw. No other malfunctions were identified; all other damage resulted from the hard touchdown with the gear partially retracted.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by uncommanded retraction of the landing gear during the takeoff roll due to short-circuiting of the gear selector contacts by a loose screw with washer.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued as part of this investigation.