What happened
On 13 July 2002, a Cessna 172M, registration G-BHCC, was preparing for a private cross-country flight from Goodwood Airfield to Gloucestershire Airport. During the takeoff roll on the grass runway, the pilot noted that the aircraft was positioned several metres to the left of the runway centre. Although the pilot attempted to correct this deviation using right rudder, the aircraft continued to track toward the left edge of the runway.
As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 55 kt, the pilot rotated for takeoff. At the moment of liftoff, a physical impact was felt and heard, which the pilot identified as the aircraft's wheel striking a runway marker board. Following the incident, the flight proceeded to Gloucestershire, where the aircraft landed without further immediate issues.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft to determine the nature of the impact and its effects on the flight controls. The inspection revealed that the collision with the marker board had caused damage to the fin rudder post assembly. This damage resulted in the rudder becoming jammed in a position of two to five degrees of left rudder deflection. While the rudder pedals retained a small range of movement, the rudder itself was unable to move significantly.
Findings
- The aircraft's tracking error was not corrected during the ground roll, leading to the impact.
- The impact with the marker board caused the rudder to jam due to damage to the rudder post assembly.
- The pilot, who had limited experience on this specific aircraft type, did not apply sufficient rudder input to counteract the leftward yaw.
- The takeoff was not aborted despite the pilot's realization that the aircraft was not straightening on the runway.