Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BGPL, was manufactured in 1979. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine.
Flight and Accident Details
On 11 April 2003 at 1650 UTC, the pilot conducted a private flight from Newbury Race Course, Berkshire. The intended departure runway was Runway 11, which had a published take-off run of 830 metres, a width of 30 metres, and a dry short grass surface. Visibility exceeded 10 km with no significant cloud or weather. The surface wind was calm.
During pre-flight checks, the pilot confirmed balanced fuel between the two tanks. The engine start and taxi were uneventful, and 10° of flap was selected before takeoff. The aircraft took off normally, but after becoming airborne it stopped accelerating and veered to the right. The pilot could not control the heading, and the left wing struck a small conifer tree. The aircraft then slewed left and brushed a second tree. The pilot managed to land the aircraft on the remaining runway. During landing, the flight controls appeared to operate normally, and after shutdown the flaps were observed to behave correctly. The pilot was certain that the front seat passenger had not interfered with the flight controls.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 46, held a Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence. His total flying experience was 710 hours, with 274 hours on the accident aircraft type. In the last 90 days he had flown 204 hours, and in the last 28 days, 67 hours.
Inspection Findings
Subsequent inspection revealed that the impact with the first tree caused considerable damage to the leading edge of the left wing and ruptured the left fuel tank. Additional airframe damage was also noted.