What happened
On 26 October 2012, a Piper PA-22-135 Tri-Pacer, registration G-APYI, was attempting a takeoff from the Sarngwm Farm Strip in Bethesda, Pembrokes 16shire. The aircraft, which had been converted from a tricycle gear configuration to a tailwheel setup, was operating from a 475-metre grass runway oriented 24/06. This runway featured a downward slope and was bordered by hedges at both ends, with additional hedges situated to the left of the runway path.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 24, the pilot reached approximately 150 metres of ground travel when the aircraft encountered a soft section of the grass surface. At this moment, a 10-knot crosswind from the north-west was acting on the aircraft. The combination of the soft ground and the wind resulted in the pilot losing directional control. Consequently, the aircraft slid off the runway and struck a hedge.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the runway conditions and the environmental factors present during the departure. The investigation established that the aircraft's configuration and the specific terrain features of the farm strip played a role in the loss of control. The damage sustained by the aircraft included impacts to the propeller, landing gear, rear fuselage, left wing spar, and the left elevator.