What happened
On 15 May 2004, an MCR-01 Club Banbi, registration G-RESG, was involved in an accident during a private flight at a private airstrip located at Parsonage Farm, Newmarket, Suffolk. After completing a successful landing and loading a passenger and baggage, the pilot prepared for a subsequent flight to Membury. The aircraft's takeoff weight was calculated to be within limits, and the center of gravity was confirmed to be within the permitted range.
During the takeoff roll on the 475-metre grass runway, the pilot noted that the aircraft's acceleration was slower than usual. Upon reaching a pre-determined marker at 55 kt, the pilot confirmed the lack of performance and decided to abandon the takeoff. The pilot closed the throttle and applied maximum braking, which caused the wheel brakes to lock. As the aircraft skidded across the grass, the pilot attempted to induce a ground loop by yawing the aircraft to the right to avoid a boundary hedge. However, the aircraft lacked sufficient directional control and struck the hedge at approximately 10 kt. The impact caused damage to the right wing leading edge, wing tip, flaps, landing gear, and one propeller blade.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was operating in calm weather conditions with a surface temperature of 23°C. The grass runway was dry and approximately four inches high. The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was prompted by the aircraft failing to reach its typical airborne speed at the mid-point of the runway. The investigation examined the braking action and the pilot's maneuvers during the aborted takeoff attempt.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced sluggish acceleration during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was made after the aircraft had already passed its normal rotation point.
- The application of maximum braking resulted in the locking of the wheel brakes.
- The aircraft's momentum and the lack of directional control during the skid led to the collision with the boundary hedge.