What happened
On June 5, 2014, at approximately 17:30 local time, a Piper PA-34-220T, registration HB-LTH, was performing a private VFR departure from Locarno Airport (LSZL). During the takeoff roll, the pilot operated the aircraft with the flaps in the zero position. Despite both engines producing full power, the aircraft failed to rotate and gain altitude. The aircraft continued along the grass runway and overran the end of the strip, coming to a stop in a nearby meadow after traveling approximately 250 meters. The incident resulted in one person being seriously injured.
The investigation
As this was a summary report, the investigation was based on available statements rather than a full-scale technical inquiry. The investigation focused on the flight parameters during the takeoff phase and the performance of the engines. The aircraft, operated by HS-Air GmbH, was being flown by a pilot with 1,600 total flight hours. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft overran the runway into a field containing grass and corn, causing minor damage to the vegetation but no damage to the aircraft itself.