History of the Flight
The pilot, a 67-year-old Commercial Pilot Licence holder with 6,632 flying hours (45 on type), departed Sleap Airfield in Shropshire on the morning of 23 September 2020 to pick up a passenger from Perranporth Airfield, Cornwall. A member of the flying club accompanied him as a passenger but did not operate the controls. After landing on Runway 27 without incident, the pilot prepared for the return flight.
For the departure, the passenger boarding at Perranporth occupied the front right seat, and the other passenger sat in the rear. Newquay Airport, 5 nm north, reported a wind of 14 kt from 300°, which the pilot considered suitable for Runway 27. After starting the engine, he taxied to Runway 27 and performed a power check with no anomalies. He then conducted a rolling takeoff with 10° of flap.
The pilot reported that the aircraft accelerated normally and became airborne at about 60 kt before reaching the halfway point of the runway, but it failed to climb. The stall warner sounded, and the aircraft settled back onto the runway briefly before becoming airborne again. It then stalled, hitting the runway hard. Insufficient runway remained to stop, and the aircraft overran the end, sustaining extensive damage to the landing gear and left wing. The three occupants, who were uninjured, vacated the aircraft unaided through the cabin door.
Aerodrome Information
Perranporth Airfield is an unlicensed aerodrome at an elevation of 330 ft amsl with two asphalt runways: 05/23 (799 m) and 09/27 (741 m). Both were available at the time. Due to sea cliffs at the end of Runway 27, popular VFR flight guides warned of windshear and severe turbulence in strong winds. Since the accident, one guide updated to state that Runway 09/27 is not generally available, warning of 'Rotor/Curl-over' in onshore winds over 10 kt, causing changes in headwind/tailwind components exceeding 10 kt and sink rates over 1,000 ft/min with severe turbulence. The airfield and flying club websites did not include these wind effect warnings; the airfield website indicated Runway 27 was available only by approval, but suggested this was due to other runway users.
Flight Planning
The pilot used a flight planning app for pre-flight preparation, which provided basic aerodrome information but no warnings. He did not consult a flight guide or other sources and was unaware of the Runway 27 warning. When contacting the airfield to book, operational warnings were not routinely passed on.
Weight and Balance
The pilot planned fuel for a 90-minute return flight plus 45 minutes reserve, requiring 33.75 USG. He had refueled at Sleap and dipped tanks to confirm quantity. At Perranporth, he estimated fuel weight at 158 lbs but did not re-dip. Passengers reported weights of 14.5 stone (203 lbs) each; the pilot stated 11 stone (154 lbs); plus a 10 lb bag. The pilot calculated a takeoff weight of 2,635 lbs, 15 lbs below the maximum of 2,650 lbs. Centre of gravity was within limits using provided weights, though lever arms differed from the aircraft's schedule. Other evidence suggested some weights may have been underestimated.
Analysis
Based on the information provided, at takeoff the aircraft was probably above its maximum permitted takeoff weight. This may have accounted for difficulties in achieving normal climb, causing the aircraft to settle back onto the runway. When airborne again, the aircraft was likely far enough down the runway to encounter negative wind effects from the prevailing wind, which, combined with the weight, is consistent with the stall described.
Safety Action
Runway 09/27 was removed from normal operations; pilots may only use it after receiving specific information on associated limitations. The airfield owner and flying club plan to update their websites with the new information.
Previous Accident
A similar event occurred on 11 August 2016, when a Piper PA-28-161 (G-CGDJ) sank back onto Runway 27 on takeoff and overran in nearly identical wind conditions. Both occupants received minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed by fire.