What happened
On 25 April 2023, a Piper PA-22-150, registration G-AREL, was preparing for a private flight from Hamilton Farm Airstrip in Kent. The pilot had arrived at the airfield from White Waltham Airfield as a passenger, intending to swap roles with the arriving pilot for the return leg. Prior to departure, the crew and the airfield operator inspected the runway, noting the wind was primarily from the north or north-east. Due to the presence of tall trees at the end of Runway 04, the pilot established a specific decision point at the runway midpoint to abort the takeoff if sufficient speed had not been reached.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 04, the aircraft failed to reach flying speed or become airborne by the pre-planned decision point. Following the established plan, the pilot closed the throttle and applied the brakes. During the deceleration, the aircraft began to veer toward the left. Despite corrective steering inputs, the aircraft drifted off the grass runway. The nosewheel subsequently dug into the ground and collapsed, causing the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose and right wing. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the runway conditions and the pilot's decision-making process. It was noted that while the weather was sunny, the grass surface was wet and certain sections of the airstrip were waterlogged. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's preparation, noting that the crew had walked the runway length to assess obstacles and surface conditions before the attempt. The investigation highlighted that the pilot's use of a predetermined go/no-go point was a critical factor in preventing a more serious outcome.
Findings
- The takeoff was aborted at the midpoint of the runway because the aircraft had not achieved the necessary airspeed.
- The aircraft veered left during braking and left the runway surface.
- The nosewheel collapse was caused by the wheel digging into the soft, waterlogged ground.
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff at a pre-planned point prevented the aircraft from potentially encountering the trees at the end of the runway.