What happened
On 16 September 1998, an Auster D4-108, registration G-ARLG, was performing a private flight from Hook Airstrip in Hampshire. The airfield, a grass farm strip, features a downslope from west to east and is bordered by trees and power cables. On the day of the event, the pilot calculated a required takeoff distance of 1,953 feet based on a westerly wind of approximately 10 knots, which was well within the available 2,7 00 feet of runway.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 08, the pilot utilized full power, one stage of flap, and a short-field technique. While the aircraft became airborne at roughly 40 mph just past the 710-foot windsock, the airspeed failed to accelerate to the necessary 50 mph safety speed, even while the pilot maintained the aircraft in ground effect. Recognizing the insufficient airspeed, the pilot decided to abandon the takeoff and returned to the runway.
As the aircraft decelerated, it did not slow down as quickly as expected. With approximately 350 feet of runway remaining, the pilot attempted to turn off the strip. This maneuver triggered a violent ground loop that the pilot could not arrest. The incident resulted in substantial damage to the rear fuselage and tail wheel assembly, though there were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff calculations, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's decision-making during the aborted takeoff. The inquiry reviewed the aircraft's performance relative to the wind conditions reported at nearby Farnborough and the specific layout of the Hook Airstrip. The pilot provided information regarding the wind speed discrepancies and the sequence of maneuvers leading to the loss of control.