Summary
On 4 June 2023, at 18:12 local time, a serious incident involving two aircraft occurred at St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (LSZR). A privately operated Moravan N.P. Z 526 ASM, registration HB-TRQ, and a Cessna C501 Citation I SP, registration OE-FMK, began their takeoff rolls simultaneously from opposite ends of the same runway. The single-engine Z 526 was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) on a private flight from St. Gallen-Altenrhein to Sitterdorf (LSZV) with one pilot aboard. The Cessna Citation, a business jet operated by Mali AIR Luftverkehrs GmbH, was on an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) private flight to Graz Airport (LOWG) with two pilots.
Details of the Event
The Z 526 began its takeoff on Runway 28, while the Citation started its takeoff on the reciprocal Runway 10. According to the preliminary report by the Swiss Safety Investigation Authority (SUST), the single-engine aircraft lifted off early from the runway and overflew the oncoming Citation. Shortly after, the Citation also became airborne. No further details about the proximity or any evasive actions have been released.
Aircraft Information
The Moravan Z 526 ASM is a single-engine aerobatic aircraft, privately owned and operated. The Cessna C501 Citation I SP is a twin-engine business jet. Both flights were private in nature. The SUST has initiated an investigation into the airprox to determine the circumstances. This preliminary report is provisional and does not contain conclusions.
Investigation Status
The Swiss Safety Investigation Authority (SUST) opened an investigation on 4 July 2023. As the report is preliminary, no probable cause has been determined. The SUST will provide further information as the investigation progresses.