What happened
On 24 March 2007, a Pierre Robin R2112, registration G-BIVA, was conducting a private flight from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose to Truro Airfield. Upon arrival, the pilot requested permission to perform several approaches. The pilot was informed that the available runway length was 500 m, with an additional 30 m unavailable due to water-logging and unmaintained grass.
During a touch-and-go landing on Runway 23, the aircraft touched down 40 m beyond the threshold at approximately 50 kt. Following the touchdown, the pilot applied full power and raised the flaps to the takeoff position. Despite applying back pressure to the control stick, the aircraft failed to lift off the ground. After a second unsuccessful attempt to become airborne, the pilot decided to continue the run to avoid striking a fence at the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck the fence and came to rest in the field beyond. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft' and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Witnesses noted the sound of a low go-around followed by a low approach, with the engine note initially increasing before spluttering.
Investigators reviewed the meteorological data, which indicated a temperature of 10ºC and a dew point of 2ºC. Furthermore, the condition of the airfield was assessed, noting that the long grass and water-logged surface likely increased rolling resistance during the takeoff roll. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's configuration, specifically the carburettor heat setting and the pilot's experience with this specific model.