Incident Overview
On 4 March 2020 at 1310 UTC, a Diamond DA 42 NG Twin Star (registration G-SLCT) was conducting a circuit training detail on Runway 21L at Stapleford Aerodrome, Essex. The flight was a training sortie with two crew and no passengers. The commander held a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and had 2,312 hours total flying experience, including 784 on type.
History of the Flight
During the first touch-and-go, the student pilot slightly ballooned the aircraft on landing. The instructor took control, retracted the flaps, and applied full power for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft passed the transition point where the runway surface changed from asphalt to grass. Recent inclement weather had made the ground conditions soft. Despite continued full power, the aircraft did not accelerate. The instructor then closed the throttles and applied gentle braking to bring the aircraft to a controlled stop. As the aircraft decelerated, the nosewheel sank into the soft grass and separated from the aircraft. The nose lowered, both propellers struck the ground, and the aircraft came to rest near the end of the runway. Both occupants were uninjured and exited without assistance.
Airfield Information
Stapleford Aerodrome is a licensed airfield with three runways, including Runway 03R/21L, which has a mixed surface: the first 600 m are asphalt, and the remainder is grass. Runway 21L is 1,077 m long with a displaced threshold and a clearway. The Takeoff Run Available (TORA) is 1,100 m, Takeoff Distance Available (TODA) is 1,150 m, and Landing Distance Available (LDA) is 900 m. The runway has a +1.98% upslope on Runway 21L.
Instructor's Comments
The instructor noted that excessive rainfall during winter and in the days before the incident had led to soft ground conditions. Additionally, there was no headwind component, and the aircraft was heavy due to being fully fuelled, increasing the required landing distance and takeoff run. The student was early in multi-engine piston rating training and had recently flown tailwheel aerobatic aircraft. The instructor believed the student reverted to a technique more appropriate to that type, causing the balloon and increasing the takeoff run required for the touch-and-go.
Damage
The nosewheel, left propeller, and right propeller were damaged.
Conclusion
While performing a touch-and-go, the aircraft ballooned on landing, increasing the landing distance required and causing the instructor to take control. During the ensuing takeoff roll, the aircraft travelled past the point where the runway surface changed from asphalt to grass. The soft ground conditions on the grass surface prevented the aircraft from accelerating sufficiently to achieve takeoff speed. As the aircraft was being brought to a stop, the nosewheel detached.