What happened
On 3 August 2003, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BTID, was performing a training flight from Eaglescott Airfield in Devon. The aircraft was carrying a student pilot, an instructor, and one passenger. During the departure from Runway 08, the student pilot was handling the controls. While the engine was producing full power, the aircraft's acceleration appeared to stall at approximately 50 knots.
As the aircraft continued down the runway, the instructor monitored the airspeed before deciding whether to abort the takeoff. Finding that there was insufficient remaining runway to stop safely, the instructor took control, applied 10 degrees of flaps, and rotated the aircraft. Although the plane became airborne, it struck a wooden post located near a gate in the boundary hedge, roughly 115 metres past the runway end. Following this impact, the aircraft descended into a nearby field. The aircraft swung to the left due to damage to the left main landing gear, eventually coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, the stabilator, and the left main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the takeoff performance calculations used by the crew. It was determined that the crew had bypassed full pre-flight planning due to time constraints, instead calculating takeoff figures specifically for the Eaglescott departure. Using the UK Supplement to the Pilots Operating Handbook, the crew had estimated a Take Off Distance Required (TODR) of 446 metres, whereas the actual required distance to reach lift-off was 657 metres. The available runway length (TORA) was 600 metres.
Investigators also examined the lack of acceleration noted during the takeoff roll. While the cause for the reduced acceleration was not definitively identified, the possibility of a light tailwind component was considered. The instructor also noted that his decision to attempt the takeoff rather than rejecting it earlier contributed to the collision with the boundary post.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was incorrectly calculated takeoff performance figures.
- The crew failed to use the full scope of pre-flight planning, focusing only on the immediate departure.
- A delay in the instructor's decision to reject the takeoff left insufficient runway to avoid the boundary hedge.
- The actual distance required to reach lift-off exceeded the available runway length.
Safety action
- The flight training company issued a notice to all instructors emphasizing that all performance calculations must rely on approved performance charts.
- Instructors were reminded that students must be fully trained in using the UK Supplement to the POH for all takeoff and landing data.
- The instructor involved was required to undergo additional training before being permitted to instruct from short-field runways in that aircraft type.