What happened
On 5 July 2001, a North American Aviation Harvard T-6G, registration G-BRWB, was performing a private flight from Duxford Airfield. After completing standard pre-departure and power checks, the pilot began the takeoff roll on Runway 06, which consisted of dry grass. To mitigate noise levels, the pilot opted for a reduced power setting of 2,000 RPM and 30 ins MAP.
During the initial acceleration, the aircraft encountered a bump in the terrain, causing it to lift off before reaching the required speed. The pilot brought the aircraft back down to the surface to continue accelerating toward a target airspeed of 75 to 80 MPH. However, a second bump caused the aircraft to lift off again. Shortly after the pilot initiated gear retraction, the aircraft's performance became sluggish and it began rolling to the right. The right wingtip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to rotate and come to a halt perpendicular to the runway. A fire broke out in the engine compartment, but the two occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the takeoff parameters, the runway conditions, and the pilot's decision-making regarding engine power settings. The investigation noted that while the pilot had previously used full power for his first takeoff of the day at Earls Colne, he had chosen a reduced power setting for this departure from Duxford. The investigation also reviewed the physical state of the runway, noting its known bumpy surface and the ambient temperature of 28° C.