Accident Details
At 1100 hrs on 26 October 2012, a Piper PA-22-135 Tri-Pacer, registration G-APYI, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Sarngwm Farm Strip in Bethesda, Pembrokeshire. The flight was conducted under a Private Pilot's Licence with only the pilot on board.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft, built in 1954 (serial no 22-2218), was originally a tricycle-gear design but had been converted to a tailwheel configuration. It was powered by one Lycoming O-290-D2 piston engine. The pilot, aged 48, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 160 flying hours, of which 68 were on the type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 17 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Sequence of Events
The grass airstrip was 475 m long, oriented 24/06, with hedges bordering both ends and two hedges cutting across the runway near its midpoint. The wind was from the north-west at 10 kt, and the pilot was taking off on Runway 24, which had a downward slope. After approximately 150 m of ground roll, the aircraft encountered a soft patch of grass. The combination of this soft ground and the crosswind caused the pilot to lose directional control. The aircraft slid into a hedge to the left of the runway.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, landing gear, rear fuselage, left elevator, and left wing spar. The pilot reported no injuries.