What happened
On 9 June 2003, a Beech B24R Sierra 200, registration G-BBVJ, was performing a private flight from Netherthorpe Airfield in South Yorkshire. The aircraft was returning to its home base at Sheffield City Airport following maintenance work. The weather conditions were favorable, with fine visibility and a light wind from 240 degrees at 7 knots.
During the takeoff roll on the grass runway, the pilot utilized 20 degrees of flap. While the aircraft initially accelerated normally, it encountered a bump on the runway surface with approximately one-third of the takeoff distance remaining. This caused the aircraft to become airborne prematurely. Upon rotation, the stall warning activated, and witnesses observed the tail of the aircraft making contact with the ground.
Determining that there was not enough runway left to safely abort the takeoff, the pilot opted to land in a field situated beyond a road at the far end of the runway. The impact resulted in slight damage to the nose wheel, propeller, and windscreen, but the pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on an aircraft accident report provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the runway characteristics at Netherthorpe, noting that Runway 20 had a grass surface with a 1.9% uphill gradient and a total takeoff run available of 490 metres. The investigation also considered the pilot's experience, noting he had 204 total flying hours, with 60 hours specifically on this aircraft type.