Piper PA-28-140 Overruns Runway at Canterbury Airfield

Casualties unknown • Harbledown Wood, Dunkirk, Canterbury, Kent, GB

A private flight in a Piper PA-28-140 resulted in an aircraft overrun and collision with a lighting pole near Dunkirk, Kent, after a late takeoff attempt.

What happened

On 29 April 1998, a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-AXTD, was performing local circuits at Canterbury airfield. After completing two circuits, the pilot decided to attempt a third takeoff. During this departure, the pilot applied full power with approximately 800 feet of runway remaining. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the airspeed was recorded between 60 and 65 mph, which was below the intended lift-off speed.

With only 150 feet of runway left, the aircraft failed to become airborne and exited the end of the runway. The aircraft crossed the A2 trunk road, where the right wing struck a road lighting pole. This impact caused the aircraft to swing right before crashing into trees in Harbledown Wood. The impact destroyed the aircraft, though no fire occurred. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including suspected broken ribs, while the two passengers suffered minor injuries.

The investigation

The investigation examined the runway conditions, weather, and the pilot's actions. Runway 20 at the unlicensed airfield consists of rolled chippings and features an uphill section followed by a level section. At the end of the runway, the ground drops toward the A2 road. Meteorological data showed a 7.6 kt tailwind component and a 6.4 kt crosswind component at the time of the accident.

An eyewitness observed that the aircraft's initial takeoff run appeared longer than usual and noted that the takeoff attempt seemed very late. The investigation also noted the seating configuration: a passenger was in the front left seat, the pilot was in the right seat wearing only a lap harness, and another passenger was in the rear. Additionally, a voluntary blood test performed on the pilot following the accident revealed a blood alcohol content of 88 mg per 100 ml, which exceeded the UK legal limit for motor vehicle drivers.

Findings

  • The aircraft failed to achieve sufficient airspeed for lift-off before reaching the runway end.
  • The pilot attempted a takeoff with insufficient remaining runway distance.
  • A tailwind component of 7.6 kt contributed to the extended ground roll.
  • The pilot's blood alcohol level was above the legal limit for driving in the UK.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway because the pilot attempted a takeoff with insufficient remaining runway distance, a situation exacerbated by a tailwind component.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-04-29 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Harbledown Wood, Dunkirk, Canterbury, Kent, GB?

A private flight in a Piper PA-28-140 resulted in an aircraft overrun and collision with a lighting pole near Dunkirk, Kent, after a late takeoff attempt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-04-29 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration G-AXTD, at Harbledown Wood, Dunkirk, Canterbury, Kent, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway because the pilot attempted a takeoff with insufficient remaining runway distance, a situation exacerbated by a tailwind component.

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