What happened
On 3 June 1999, a DHC-1 Chipmunk 22, registration G-BDCC, was performing aerotow glider launches at Husbands Bosworth Airfield in Leicestershire. Due to wet grass and minimal headwind, the takeoff position had been moved forward to provide an additional 200 yards of runway for the takeoff roll.
During the takeoff sequence, the aircraft and the glider combination failed to reach speeds greater than 40 kt. In response to the lack of acceleration, the glider pilot released the tow rope, and the glider came to a halt on the airfield. Following the release, the pilot of the DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 verified that the glider was clear of the path, then reduced throttle and applied the brakes. While the brakes functioned effectively at first, the aircraft began to skid across the damp grass. The sequence concluded when the aircraft struck the airfield's boundary fence at a walking pace, resulting in damage to the fuselage, wings, aileron, and propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff conditions and the pilot's actions following the glider's release. It was noted that the pilot had considered that maintaining full power after the glider had disconnected might have provided enough momentum to lift the aircraft before the end of the runway.