What happened
On 22 April 2024, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-AWBG, was being prepared for a private flight at Perth Airport. During the initial stages of flight preparation, the pilot moved the aircraft out of its hangar with the help of another person, which involved attaching a towbar to the nosewheel.
Following the movement of the aircraft, the pilot engaged in a conversation with the assisting individual. During this period of distraction, the pilot failed to disconnect the towbar from the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently taxied to the runway and commenced its takeoff roll with the equipment still attached. During the takeoff sequence, the tower notified the pilot of the hazard via radio, and the towbar eventually detached from the nosewheel.
The investigation
The investigation, initiated following an aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot, focused on the sequence of events leading to the propeller strike. The investigation established that the pilot had become distracted during the pre-flight phase. It was noted that the pilot's standard procedure involved placing the towbar on the wing near the door after use, but in this instance, the step was omitted.
Findings
- The pilot was distracted by a discussion during aircraft preparation.
- The towbar was not removed from the nosewheel prior to taxi and takeoff.
- The propeller strike occurred as a result of the towbar remaining attached during the takeoff roll.