What happened
On October 7, 2023, at approximately 15:49 local time, a Robin DR 400/140 B aircraft, registered as HB-KLR, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Samedan Airport (LSZS). The aircraft, operated by Motorfluggruppe Thurgau, was conducting a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) destined for Lommis Airport (LSZT). During the takeoff roll, the aircraft entered a flight attitude characterized by an increased longitudinal pitch angle. This maneuver led to the aircraft striking the runway surface with significant force. There were four occupants on board, including the pilot and three passengers, all of whom escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the event. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the start of the takeoff roll to the impact with the runway. The examination confirmed that the aircraft sustained heavy damage as a result of the hard impact. The investigation sought to determine the mechanical or operational reasons why the aircraft's pitch angle increased unexpectedly during the critical takeoff phase.