What happened
On November 8, 2020, at approximately 10:00 local time, a Robin DR 400/180, registration HB-KFN, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from Bex Aerodrome (LSGB) to Locarno Aerodrome (LSZL). During the takeoff roll on runway 33, the pilot decided to interrupt the takeoff procedure. Following this aborted takeoff, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits, overran the end of the pavement, and collided with trees located beyond the runway.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an investigation into the incident. The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the pilot's decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent loss of directional control or braking effectiveness that led to the aircraft exiting the runway environment. The aircraft sustained light damage as a result of the impact with the trees, while no injuries were reported among the pilot or the three passengers on board.