Accident Overview
On 28 January 2011 at 1415 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BNOE, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Walton Wood Airfield near Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The single-engine aircraft, manufactured in 1987, was operated by a private pilot with 118 hours of flying experience, all on type. The pilot was the sole occupant; no passengers were on board.
First Takeoff Attempt
The pilot intended to fly to Sherburn in Elmet. After completing pre-takeoff checks, the aircraft lined up on Runway 06 with flaps set at 25°. Full power was applied, but approximately 7 seconds elapsed before the aircraft began moving, which the pilot attributed to a slight incline and soft ground. After covering about 500 m without reaching flying speed, the pilot aborted the takeoff. The aircraft came to rest at the end of the runway with the nosewheel in a shallow furrow. The pilot requested assistance via Walton Wood radio, and maintenance personnel pushed the aircraft back to the taxiway. They inspected for visible damage and checked for brake seizure; both checks were negative.
Second Takeoff Attempt
Following advice from the maintenance staff and the flying club at Sherburn in Elmet, the pilot off-loaded his passenger to reduce weight. He decided to use 10° flaps for the initial roll, then select 25° flaps later, as suggested by the recovery personnel. The pilot did not have immediate access to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, which recommends 25° flaps for soft-field takeoffs. The aircraft lined up on Runway 24. After pre-takeoff checks, the pilot commenced the takeoff, noting 2,300 rpm. He selected 25° flaps after 250-300 m, but indicated airspeed did not exceed 43 kt. After approximately 500 m, the pilot aborted and applied brakes. Realizing the aircraft would not stop before the end of the runway, he turned right to extend the stopping distance. The aircraft entered a shallow ditch, slewed further right, and came to rest in a field beyond the runway. The pilot was not injured.
Damage and Context
The aircraft sustained damage to the nosewheel, propeller, lower engine cowling, and wing tips. The pilot later commented that he should have planned an abort point and abandoned the takeoff earlier. The airfield guide noted that Walton Wood can be closed in winter due to water-logging, but it was not closed on this day. No evidence of engine power loss was found.
Investigation
The investigation noted the possibility that the soft runway surface significantly hindered acceleration in both attempts. No probable cause was stated.