What happened
On 10 October 2023, a Socata TB-20 aircraft, registration N33NW, was performing a private flight from Langham Airfield to Nottingham. During the takeoff roll from Runway 28, the aircraft reached a speed of 73 kt before lifting off. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway.
Witnesses observed the aircraft tilting and crabbing to the left. The passengers reported feeling a sudden jolt, as if the aircraft had encountered a gust or struck an object. As the aircraft climbed, the left wingtip struck several trees located near the edge of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to descend steeply, eventually coming to rest on its side in a nearby wooded area. The engine and left wing separated from the fuselage upon impact, leading to a fuel leak. The pilot and two passengers all sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the airfield environment. Evidence of abrasion on the underside of the tailcone suggested the aircraft had experienced a tailstrike on the runway surface during the takeoff sequence. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's rudder trim was set to a position between cruise and takeoff settings.
Regarding the airfield, investigators found that the trees lining the southern edge of the runway were positioned significantly closer to the runway centerline than recommended. While the CAA's CAP 793 suggests a minimum clearance of 15 m for obstacles, the distance between the wingtip and the trees was only approximately 5.5 m when the aircraft was on the centerline.