What happened
On 1 July 2008, a solo student pilot was conducting training circuits at Old Sarum Airfield in a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BOSR. During the takeoff roll on the grass runway, the aircraft began to veer toward the left. Although the pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder and subsequently reduced engine power, the aircraft failed to maintain its centerline. The aircraft departed the runway and collided with a hedge and fence located approximately 50 metres from the left edge of the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and both wing leading edges, rendering it beyond economic repair.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wind conditions and the pilot's experience. On the day of the accident, the student had completed several circuits, including 13 solo flights. While the wind had been near 90 degrees to the runway earlier in the day, the recorded surface wind at the time of the solo takeoff was 160 degrees at 15 kt. Based on this indicated wind, the crosswind component was only approximately 2 kt below the aircraft's demonstrated maximum limit. However, ATC records indicated that the maximum windspeed indicator had registered 32 kt at some point during the day, though the exact timing of such a gust was unknown. An eyewitness noted that the leftward veer began before the aircraft reached the runway midpoint, while the aircraft was traveling at an estimated ground speed of 45-50 kt.
Findings
- The aircraft veered left during the takeoff roll, leading to a collision with a fence and hedge.
- The student pilot's lack of experience in significant crosswind conditions was a significant contributory factor.
- The aircraft's flight manual warns that excessive nosewheel loading can reduce directional controllability.
- While the recorded wind at takeoff was within demonstrated limits, the presence of previous high-velocity gusts may have influenced the flight environment.