What happened
On March 27, 2017, at approximately 13:50 local time, a Mooney M20J, registered as HB-DIA, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from Speck-Fehraltorf (LSZK) toward St. Gallen-Altenrhein (LSZR). During the takeoff roll on runway 30, the pilot determined that the aircraft was unable to lift off as anticipated and subsequently initiated an aborted takeoff. During this process, the aircraft continued past the runway threshold, overrunning the end of the pavement. The incident resulted in one light injury to a passenger, while the pilot and one third party remained uninjured. There was no damage to the aircraft or any third-party property.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the failed takeoff and the configuration of the aircraft during the roll. The investigation established that the pilot aborted the takeoff because the aircraft's performance did not meet expectations during the initial climb phase. Upon reviewing the aircraft's state following the overrun, the pilot identified that the speed brakes had been left in the extended position during the takeoff run.