Occurrence
On 5 June 2014 at 17:30 local time, a Piper PA-34-220T aircraft, registration HB-LTH, was conducting a private VFR takeoff from Locarno Airport (LSZL). The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1950, held a Private Pilot License (Aeroplane) with a total flight experience of 1600 hours, including 1500 hours on the accident aircraft type and 15 hours in the preceding 90 days.
During the takeoff roll with flaps set to zero, the aircraft failed to gain altitude despite both engines operating at full power. The airplane continued past the runway end, overrunning the grass surface, and came to a stop after approximately 250 meters in a meadow. The pilot sustained minor or no injuries. There were no passengers or third-party injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a PA-34-220T, owned and operated by HS-Air GmbH of Lucerne. The pilot had accumulated 1600 total flight hours, with 1500 hours on type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he logged 15 hours, all on the accident aircraft.
Damage
The aircraft itself was undamaged. Third-party damage consisted of grass and cornfield vegetation within the overrun area.