Incident Overview
On 6 September 2020, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration G-BPPF) operated by a private pilot under a Private Pilot's Licence was involved in a serious incident at Compton Abbas Airfield, Salisbury. The pilot, aged 54 with 202 hours total flying experience (57 hours on type), had taxied out for departure and proceeded to line up on what he believed was the runway. However, he had actually lined up to the left of the runway.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft pulled to the left, later diagnosed as a binding left brake. This, combined with his starting position, brought the aircraft close to a line of parked aircraft. The pilot reported that he had lined up to the right of what looked like two 'black cones'. The UK Aeronautical Publication (AIP) page for Compton Abbas describes the runway markings, including black and white runway threshold markers positioned to the side of the runway threshold. An image from Google Earth (Figure 1 in the source) shows the boards and the chalk-marked runway. It is probable that the pilot of G-BPPF lined up between the marker board and the left side chalk line of the runway.
Contributing Factors
The AIP contains validated aviation data, but image tools can assist pilots visiting unfamiliar locations. While such tools do not provide detailed, up-to-date information, they can offer a visual preview of the airfield.
Outcome
No injuries were reported among the sole crew member, and there was no damage to the aircraft. The incident was reported via the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.