What happened
On 11 August 2016, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-CGDJ, was performing a private flight from the Scilly Isles to Blackbushe Airport. The flight crew had stopped at Perranporth Airfield to refuel, adding 30 litres of Avgas 100LL to each wing tank. Following standard procedures, the pilot taxied to the departure end of Runway 27, selecting the right fuel tank for takeoff and activating the auxiliary electric fuel pump.
During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne and climbed normally for several seconds. However, the aircraft then began to descend while maintaining a nose-high attitude. The pilot experienced a sensation of losing engine power, though it was unclear if engine RPM had decreased. Despite checking the fuel selection, mixture, and carburetor heat, the aircraft continued its descent. The aircraft stalled and struck the upwind end of the runway in a nose-down, right-wing low attitude.
Following the impact, the aircraft came to rest on the grass north of the runway. Smoke was observed emanating from beneath the engine. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries, but both were able to exit the cabin through the right door before a post-impact fire consumed most of the fuselage.
The investigation
Investigators examined wreckage photographs and runway impact marks. The propeller and spinner assembly detached upon impact, but the metal propeller blades showed rearwards tip-curling, which indicated the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact.
Regarding the airfield environment, the investigation noted that Perranporth is situated near sea cliffs, and local aeronautical information warns pilots to expect wind shear and severe turbulence on Runway 27 during strong winds. The surface wind at the time was reported as 300 degrees at 15 knots. Additionally, fuel quality checks at the airfield confirmed that the fuel used for the aircraft met all required standards, and no other aircraft reported issues following the same refueling session.