What happened
On 28 January 2011, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BNOE, was involved in a runway excursion during a private flight from Walton Wood Airfield. The pilot initially attempted a takeoff on Runway 06, but the aircraft failed to reach flying speed. After the first attempt, airfield maintenance personnel assisted in recovering the aircraft to the taxiway. Following a brief delay, the pilot decided to attempt a takeoff on the reciprocal Runway 24, having off-loaded a passenger to reduce weight and adjusting the flap settings based on local suggestions.
During the second attempt, the aircraft initially progressed for approximately 500 metres before the pilot noted that the indicated airspeed was not increasing beyond 43 knots. Realising the aircraft would not reach liftoff speed, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. In an effort to extend the available runway, the pilot turned the aircraft to the right, but the aircraft failed to stop before the end of the runway. The aircraft entered a shallow ditch and came to rest in a field. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nosewheel, wing tips, and lower engine cowling.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff performance and the conditions at the airfield. It was noted that the pilot did not have immediate access to the aircraft's Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) at the time of the incident. The investigation also reviewed the airfield guide, which indicated that Walton Wood can be closed during winter months due to water-logging. While the airfield was not officially closed, the investigation considered the impact of the ground conditions on the aircraft's ability to accelerate.
Findings
- The pilot's second takeoff attempt was unsuccessful because the aircraft failed to achieve the necessary flying speed.
- The soft nature of the runway surface was a significant factor in preventing the aircraft from accelerating during both takeoff attempts.
- The pilot did not establish a specific point to abandon the takeoff earlier in the roll.
- The aircraft's weight was reduced for the second attempt by off-loading a passenger.