History of the Flight
On 15 February 2013, at 1345 hours UTC, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-AVGI, was operating a training flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The sole occupant was a 30-year-old student pilot with 32 hours of flying experience, none of which were on the PA-28 type. The flight was intended to be his first solo circuit, following a dual lesson during which his instructor deemed him ready.
Accident Sequence
The student pilot commenced his first takeoff from Runway 27 but aborted it because he felt that the engine power had reduced during the takeoff roll. The instructor, who was inside the flying school, was unaware of the reason for the abort. Permission was granted to backtrack and attempt again. On the second attempt, the student ran the engine up to 2000 rpm on the brakes before rolling. The aircraft became airborne, but at approximately 300 ft, the engine lost all power.
Aftermath
The student reacted according to his training, broadcasting a mayday and lowering the nose to maintain flying speed. He elected to land on grass within the airfield boundary to avoid ditching in the River Mersey. Using rudder to turn right to avoid approach light gantries, the aircraft came to rest about 50 metres from the threshold of Runway 09. The nose landing gear collapsed during the landing. The student shut down the fuel and electrics and disembarked normally, uninjured.
Subsequent Investigation
No reason for the engine failure has been established. The instructor noted that had he known the reason for the first abort, he would have instructed the student to abandon the sortie. His organization has reiterated to all pilots that they must cancel their flight and return if any problems are experienced before takeoff.