What happened
On 19 February 2010, a student pilot was conducting a solo navigational exercise at Full Sutton Airfield in Yorkshire. The flight followed a series of instructional lessons completed earlier that day. After performing standard pre-takeoff checks, the student pilot received clearance to line up on the runway.
As the takeoff roll commenced, the Piper PA-2-8-140 Cherokee, registration G-AVWJ, began to veer toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder; however, the pilot later described this input as being too forceful. In a subsequent attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot applied left rudder even more aggressively. These actions caused the aircraft to depart the runway and enter an adjacent ploughed field. The impact resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and caused damage to the propeller and the aircraft's cowling.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of control inputs and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. It was noted that the weather was favorable, with light winds and a dry, firm grass runway. The controller had informed the pilot of a 5-knot crosswind during the takeoff roll.
Findings
- The pilot's attempt to correct the initial leftward veer with excessive right rudder, followed by an even more intense left rudder input, caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
- The student pilot sustained only one minor injury to the hand.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear, propeller, and forward section.