Sequence of Events
The pilot completed two local circuits of Canterbury airfield on Runway 20 and decided to perform one additional circuit. With approximately 800 feet of runway remaining and a speed of 45 mph, he applied full power, selected carburettor heat to cold, and reduced flaps to 10°. Fuel was reported as full right tank and half left tank. As the aircraft neared the runway end, airspeed was 60–65 mph, 5–10 mph short of the desired lift-off speed, and insufficient distance remained to abort the takeoff. The aircraft left the runway, flew over the adjacent A2 road, and its right wing struck a road lighting pole. The impact caused the aircraft to swing right and continue across the road into trees on the southwest side. The aircraft came to rest in woodland, with severe disruption to the nose and right wing. Fuel spilled but no fire occurred. The cabin remained intact, although the right side of the instrument panel above the control yoke had moved rearward.
Witness Accounts
An eyewitness at the airfield reported that the aircraft's initial take-off run seemed longer than usual. On the first approach, the aircraft appeared too high and floated nearly to the top of the uphill section before touching down. The subsequent lift-off seemed very late, and the aircraft was very low over the trees. On the second approach, the aircraft again appeared high and touched down near the top of the upslope. Power was applied about halfway along the final 183-metre flat section, and the aircraft did not seem to become airborne before the runway end. The witness noted that one of the passengers, who did not hold a pilot's licence, was occupying the front left seat. The licenced pilot, who did not hold an instructor rating, was in the right seat and was believed to be wearing only his lap harness. The second passenger occupied a rear seat.
Meteorological Conditions
A meteorological aftercast indicated surface wind from 060° at 10 kt, visibility approximately 8 km, scattered cloud base 3,000 feet amsl, temperature +13°C, dew point +7°C, and QNH 1005 mb. For an aircraft operating on Runway 20, these conditions resulted in a crosswind component of 6.4 kt and a tailwind component of 7.6 kt.
Injuries and Aftermath
The pilot sustained the most serious injuries, including suspected broken ribs and minor lacerations to his face and hands. He was assisted from the aircraft by the two passengers using the right-side door. A passing motorist stopped, alerted emergency services, and returned to guide their arrival. By the time emergency services reached the scene, the three occupants had begun walking through the woods away from the wreckage. They later returned to the accident scene by bus from further along the A2 and were taken by ambulance to hospital. Approximately three hours after the accident, the pilot agreed to a voluntary blood test at the hospital. The test showed a blood alcohol content of 88 mg per 100 ml of blood. The maximum permitted for motor vehicle drivers in the UK is 80 mg per 100 ml. The CAA has taken action against the pilot.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-AXTD, manufactured in 1969, powered by one Lycoming O-320-E2A piston engine. The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence, aged 58 years, with total flying experience of 2,453 hours, including 400 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 18 hours, and in the last 28 days, 6 hours. The flight was private, with one pilot and two passengers. The airfield, Canterbury, is unlicensed and has no Air Traffic Control facility. Runway 20 is 670 metres long, surfaced with rolled chippings, with the first 487 metres uphill and the remaining 183 metres level. The overrun area drops sharply to the A2 road, which has road lighting poles; the pole heights had been reduced to minimize obstruction to aircraft.