Accident Overview
On 18 June 1980, a Beechcraft S 200 C 24 R Sierra, registration N6723N, was involved in an accident during takeoff at Môtiers airfield in Switzerland. Both occupants—a pilot and an instructor—were seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Flight History
The aircraft departed Zurich Airport around 1500 local time for a training flight to Courtelary, with a female pilot under the supervision of her flight instructor. Landing at Courtelary's wet grass runway was uneventful. After a one-hour stop, they flew to Môtiers, arriving at 1800. As Courtelary's office was closed, the instructor did not make the required prior notification for Môtiers. Since Môtiers had no radio service, the pilot landed without information on runway conditions. During the landing roll, the aircraft slowed significantly in a water puddle on the left half of the runway, causing the nose wheel to sink into soft ground. Assistance from three local pilots freed the aircraft, which then taxied to parking.
During the stop, the instructor observed a French Robin aircraft make three takeoff attempts on the wet runway, succeeding only on the third. It was decided that the instructor would conduct the departure from the right seat, with the pilot only extending the flaps on command.
Takeoff Attempt
For departure, the instructor chose to use the right half of the runway to avoid a muddy puddle on the left side. He began the takeoff roll, and when he believed sufficient speed was reached, he ordered the pilot to extend flaps to 20°. The aircraft lifted off but immediately fell back to the runway. The instructor attempted to lift off again, but realized a successful takeoff was impossible. He aborted the attempt, applying full brakes. Despite braking with locked wheels skidding on the wet grass, the aircraft struck a small embankment at the end of the runway at high speed, crossed the banks of the stream "Le Bied de Métiers," and came to rest in a field. The aircraft was destroyed.
Causes
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by:
- Inappropriate takeoff technique
- Late abandoned takeoff
Contributing factors were:
- Wet grass runway
- Optimistic assessment by the pilot
Aircraft and Personnel
The aircraft, N6723N, was owned and operated by Interafrica Sales Inc., Opfikon, and held a valid airworthiness certificate. Its weight and center of gravity were within limits. The instructor held a professional pilot license and flight instructor rating, with substantial experience. The pilot held a private pilot license but had limited involvement in the takeoff.