What happened
On 15 May 1998, a Piper PA-15, registration G-VAGA, was performing a private flight from the Bowship Roundabout Airstrip in Horsebridge, Kent. During the takeoff roll from the north-east oriented grass runway, the aircraft encountered surface winds estimated at 5 to 6 knots from the north-east.
As the aircraft reached an airspeed of approximately 45 mph, it became airborne. Shortly after reaching 50 mph, the aircraft began to drift significantly to the right. The pilot attempted to maintain control, but the drift could not be corrected. After the throttle was closed, the right wing of the aircraft made contact with a tree. Both the pilot and the passenger, who were wearing lap-only restraints, sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the flight dynamics during the takeoff phase and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating from a grass strip and that the drift occurred immediately after the aircraft had transitioned to flight.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a rapid drift to the right during the initial climb.
- The pilot was unable to counteract the lateral movement of the aircraft.
- The impact with the tree occurred following the closure of the throttle.