What happened
On 1 January 1998, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-ATPN, was involved in an accident during a solo takeoff from Southend Airport. The aircraft, operated by a student pilot, was departing on its first solo navigation flight. The weather conditions at the time featured a wind from 210 degrees at 8 knots.
During the initial phase of the takeoff roll on Runway 20, the aircraft began to swing toward the left side of the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff attempt despite the aircraft deviating from the runway centerline. This maneuver resulted in a collision with the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) located to the left of the runway. Following the impact, the pilot reduced engine power and brought the aircraft to a halt.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of directional control. The pilot reported that immediately prior to the takeoff roll, he had looked over his left shoulder to check for traffic in the circuit. During this movement, he was significantly dazzled by intense sunlight.
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the propeller had sustained damage and the engine had been shock loaded due to the impact. There were no injuries to the pilot during the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the pilot's loss of directional control following a period of visual impairment caused by bright sunlight.
- The pilot's attention was momentarily diverted while checking the circuit for other aircraft.
- The collision with the PAPI caused structural damage to the airfield lighting equipment and mechanical damage to the aircraft's engine and propeller.