Accident involving a Piper PA-28-140 aircraft during takeoff from SKånes Fagerhult Airport, Skåne County

Summary

On 24 August 2025, an accident occurred involving a private aircraft of the type Piper PA-28-140 during take-off from Skånes-Fagerhult Airport. On board were two people, the pilot, who escaped without injuries, and a passenger who sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained extensive damage, and some environmental impact occurred at the site.

The accident occurred when, during take-off in gusty north-westerly winds, the aircraft failed to reach sufficient height to clear the rising terrain and forest immediately beyond the runway end. The recommended procedures in the aircraft’s flight manual were not followed, and the excess speed after rotation was used to climb instead of accelerating to the best angle of climb speed. As a result, the speed required to safely clear obstacles were never reached. When the pilot attempted to avoid the treetops by raising the nose further, the aircraft ended up on the wrong side of the drag curve, which meant that it was not possible to climb without first increasing the airspeed.

After passing the first wooded area, the pilot briefly managed to increase speed in a clearing area, but despite this, he was still unable to clear the following copse of trees. In an attempt to avoid a nose‑first collision with the trees, the pilot instinctively pulled the control yoke back. The critical angle of attack was exceeded and lift decreased just before the collision.

No technical faults have been identified on the aircraft that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot was qualified, but the risk assessment prior to the flight was inadequate.

After the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) had directed the Fire and Rescue Service Skåne Nordväst, to the correct location, the rescue operation was carried out effectively. The crew’s use of seatbelts and the cushioning effect of the vegetation helped prevent serious personal injuries.

Causes of the accident

The accident was caused by a number of interacting factors; insufficient performance calculation, deviation from the recommended take-off procedures, and the gusty wind, which resulted in insufficient margins for a safe take-off.

Safety recommendations

None.