What happened
On 7 May 2000, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BFMG, was conducting a solo training flight at Fairoaks Airport, Surrey. The student pilot had been performing circuit consolidation following successful dual instruction with a Chief Flying Instructor.
After a successful first touch-and-go, the pilot performed a second landing that drifted to the right of the runway centreline. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's position, the pilot applied left rudder while simultaneously advancing the throttle for takeoff. This combination of inputs resulted in a much sharper leftward turn than anticipated. Realising the aircraft was deviating too far from the runway, the pilot elected to close the throttle and abandon the takeoff, allowing the aircraft to exit the runway onto the adjacent grass area.
As the aircraft travelled approximately three lengths across the grass, it encountered heavily waterlogged soil. The weight of the aircraft caused the nose landing gear to sink into the soft surface, resulting in the gear bending backwards and causing a propeller blade to strike the ground.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of flight controls used during the takeoff roll and the condition of the ground surface at the edge of the runway. The investigation also reviewed the flight experience of the student pilot, who had 32 total flying hours at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the rapid deviation from the runway centerline was the simultaneous application of left rudder and full power during the takeoff roll.
- The decision to abort the takeoff was deemed appropriate given the circumstances.
- The structural damage to the aircraft, specifically the nosewheel collapse, was directly caused by the soft, waterlogged condition of the ground encountered after the runway excursion.