Accident Narrative
On 5 September 2012 at 0830 UTC, a Beech A23 Musketeer II, registration G-ATBI, was taxiing toward the threshold of grass Runway 26 at Fishburn Airfield, Co Durham, prior to an into-wind takeoff. The runway had several distinct gradients and the ground sloped downwards as the aircraft backtracked toward the start of the runway. The grass was wet and the surface wind was from 330° at 12 kt. The aircraft gained excess speed as it taxied downhill. When the pilot attempted to turn the aircraft to line up on the runway, it skidded to the right and into a hedge, which arrested its motion.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a 1965 Beech A23 Musketeer II (serial no: M-696), powered by one Continental Motors IO-346-A piston engine. The pilot, aged 62, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 1,150 hours total flying experience, of which 500 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 10 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours. There was one passenger on board. Neither occupant was injured.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the right wingtip and aileron, stabilator, and fuselage.
Pilot’s Assessment
The pilot considered that excess taxi speed and his lack of appreciation of how much the braking effect was reduced on the wet grass had caused the accident. He also observed that the grass surface may have been wetter towards the bottom of the slope, where the attempt to turn the aircraft was made.