What happened
On 8 January 1999, a Fuji FA-200-160, registration G-BEUK, was attempting a departure from a grass airstrip at Glebe Farm, Wiltshire. The aircraft had been positioned at the strip for routine maintenance. Due to a marked downslope in the 04 direction, the pilot typically performed landings in the 22 direction and departures in the 04 direction. Following recent rain showers, the runway surface had become wet and soft.
During the departure, the pilot lined up on Runway 04 with an estimated wind of 250°/05 to 06 kt. While the initial acceleration appeared normal, the airspeed stabilized between 40 and 45 kt before reaching 50 kt. Having passed the intended stop point, the pilot rotated the aircraft at 55 kt, which was approximately 5 kt below the standard rotation speed. Shortly after leaving the ground, the landing gear made contact with a wire fence at the airfield boundary. The aircraft subsequently entered an adjacent field, where the nosewheel embedded itself in the soft earth, causing the aircraft to capsize onto its back. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries, though they were temporarily trapped because the canopy was partially crushed.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the airfield conditions, noting the impact of recent rainfall on the grass surface. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the aircraft's configuration at the time of the accident. The pilot noted that the aircraft was fully serviceable following its maintenance period.