What happened
On 27 October 2009, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BEEU, was performing touch-and-go landings at Panshanger Airfield in Hertfordshire. During the fifth landing on the wet grass runway, the aircraft touched down near the middle of the runway. As the pilot attempted to take off again, the engine experienced a noticeable hesitation.
In response to this loss of power, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff and applied the brakes. However, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits, subsequently crossing a ditch and striking the aerodrome boundary fence. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and the wings to be pierced by a fence post. A pedestrian walking a dog on a path outside the perimeter was struck by the aircraft, resulting in one serious injury. The two crew members on board were uninjured and exited the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine performance and the airfield''s perimeter safety measures. The maintenance organization that inspected the aircraft following the incident was unable to identify a specific cause for the engine's hesitation.
Regarding the airfield boundary, the investigation noted that while signs warning the public of aircraft danger are positioned along the fence near the end of the runway, the adequacy of these warnings was reviewed. Under Civil Aviation Publication 168, licensed aerodromes must ensure that public rights of way bordering landing areas are sufficiently sign-posted.
Findings
- The engine hesitation during the takeoff roll was the primary factor leading to the aborted takeoff.
- Carburettor icing was considered a potential cause for the engine hesitation, as similar engine models are known to be susceptible to rich cut when the throttle is opened rapidly while carburettor heat is active.
- The aircraft sustained a bent propeller and punctures to the wings from the fence posts.