What happened
During a scheduled series of parachute jumps departing from Weston-on-the-Green, an aircraft carrying thirteen passengers prepared for its second flight. The takeoff was conducted from a dry grass runway, specifically Runway 01, with a surface wind of 360 degrees at 15 knots. Prior to the incident, the pilot confirmed that the flaps were at 10 degrees, the trim was within the takeoff range, and the condition levers were at 100% N2. The engine power was set to a level corresponding to the 'Max Cruise Rating' of 738°C turbine outlet temperature and 89 psi manifold pressure.
As the aircraft accelerated, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft at approximately 80 to 83 knots, which was higher than the scheduled rotation speed of 71 knots. During this maneuver, the pilot noted the aircraft felt nose-heavy and observed that the nose failed to rise and acceleration ceased. Consequently, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff, applying brakes and setting the condition levers to full reverse. While attempting to steer the aircraft to the right to avoid obstacles, the aircraft struck a small earth mound while traveling at a speed of roughly 15 to 20 knots. The impact brought the aircraft to a sudden stop. All occupants, including the crew and passengers, were able to evacuate the aircraft without assistance.
Findings
- The pilot performed the takeoff using power settings equivalent to the 'Max Cruise Rating' rather than maximum takeoff power.
- No takeoff performance charts or data regarding required takeoff or accelerate-stop distances were available to the pilot at the time of the accident.