What happened
On January 21, 2024, at approximately 14:20, a Cessna 172, registration HB-TDA, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from the Speck-Fehraltorf aerodrome (LSZK). The flight was intended to proceed to Wangen-Lachen (LSPV). Shortly after the aircraft departed the runway, the pilot identified a loss of engine power. In response to the malfunction, the pilot aborted the climb and executed a precautionary landing back at the departure airfield, Speck-Fehraltorf.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the incident. The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine performance degradation during the initial climb phase. The aircraft sustained light damage during the event, though no injuries were reported for the pilot or any third parties.