Runway Overrun During Takeoff at Bordeaux-Yvrac

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On June 14, 2012, at 17:40 local time, a Piper Aircraft PA-28 with registration F-HASR, operated by a club, experienced a runway overrun during takeoff at Bordeaux-Yvrac aerodrome. The aircraft was heavily damaged in the incident. The runway used was 11, an unpaved surface measuring 685 meters by 60 meters with a 1% uphill gradient. ## Circumstances of the Accident The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, was preparing for a flight to La Rochelle. After refueling, the pilot aligned with runway 11. During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the engine speed was 2,500 rpm instead of the 2,700 rpm recommended in the flight manual. Concerned, the pilot checked the parking brake to ensure it was not engaged. The pilot reported reaching 50 knots at two-thirds of the runway. Despite the abnormal engine performance, the pilot decided to continue the takeoff and pulled back on the control yoke. The aircraft remained in ground effect but failed to climb or accelerate. The pilot then reduced power and landed on the remaining runway. Despite applying the brakes, the aircraft could not be stopped. It crossed the perimeter fence and came to rest in a vineyard 50 meters beyond the runway end. ## Operational and Environmental Factors The normal takeoff procedure in the flight manual specifies a rotation speed of 48 to 53 knots depending on weight, with one notch of flaps. The short or soft field procedure requires two notches of flaps and a rotation speed of 41 to 49 knots. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within manufacturer limits. The pilot did not recall the flap position selected for the takeoff. Weather conditions included observed winds of 270° at 10 to 16 knots at Mérignac and 140° at 8 to 14 knots at Saint-Émilion, with CAVOK, a temperature of 28°C, a dew point of 10°C, and a QNH of 1,011 hPa. It is possible that a south-easterly wind established since the morning had shifted to the west at the time of the accident. The pilot had 88 hours of flight time since 2007, including 60 hours in dual command and 12 hours on type. Following a nine-month interruption, the pilot had completed a dual command flight two months before the accident.