What happened
On January 15, 2010, a Hawker Beechcraft C90GTi, registration HB-GPL, was attempting a takeoff from runway 24 at Les Eplatures Airport (LSGC) in Switzerland. During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the aircraft's airspeed failed to increase, peaking at 88 knots before dropping to 85 knots.
In response to the lack of acceleration, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and apply the brakes. However, the decision to terminate the takeoff was made too late. The aircraft overran the end of the runway and collided violently with an instrument approach system structure located immediately beyond the runway threshold. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft, which was destroyed, and heavily damaged the concrete block supporting the approach equipment. One occupant sustained serious injuries, while the other was slightly injured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance, the pilot's experience, and the mechanical state of the braking system. Investigators found no mechanical defects in the aircraft's braking system. Instead, evidence suggested that the pilot's foot had slipped at the beginning of the takeoff roll, causing a significant leftward deviation. This slip likely resulted in unintended braking during the acceleration phase.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the takeoff configuration. The pilot had selected a "flaps up" configuration, which required a higher takeoff speed of 93 knots. The investigation noted that using a different flap setting, such as flaps approach, would have lowered the required takeoff speed and potentially reduced the downward force on the wheels, mitigating the effect of any accidental braking.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a collision with an obstacle following a late rejected takeoff procedure.
- The insufficient acceleration was almost certainly caused by the pilot unintentionally applying the brakes during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot had limited experience with this specific aircraft model.
- The takeoff configuration (flaps up) was inappropriate for the circumstances.
- The pilot's multi-engine training had been conducted on a different aircraft type, leading to incomplete familiarization, particularly regarding operations on short runways.