What happened
On 5 June 2004, a Fuji FA-200-160 Aero Subaru, registration G-BBGI, departed from a 700-metre private grass airstrip located near Wantage, Oxfordshire. The flight was a private operation intended to return to Dunkeswell. Following the initial departure, the pilot realized a small camera bag had been left behind and returned to the strip to retrieve it.
During the second departure attempt, the pilot noted a lack of the headwind component that had been present during the first takeoff. While attempting to accelerate within ground effect, the pilot observed that the aircraft's acceleration was slower than during the previous attempt. As the aircraft climbed, it struck two wooden fence posts located at the end of the strip. The aircraft continued its flight to Dunkeswell, where it landed safely with no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The temperature at the time was 25ºC, and the grass on the strip was approximately 20 cm high. The investigation looked into the performance degradation experienced by the aircraft during the second takeoff attempt.
Findings
- The aircraft's takeoff performance was marginal due to the high ambient temperature and the absence of a headwind component during the second attempt.
- Grass seeds had partially blocked the air filter, which reduced engine performance.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage to the left wing leading edge, the left elevator, and the right landing gear.