Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-161 (registration G-BFMG) manufactured in 1977, powered by one Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine.
Flight Information
The flight was a training circuit consolidation on 7 May 2000 at 1315 hours UTC at Fairoaks Airport, Surrey. The pilot held a student pilot licence, aged 47, with 32 total flying hours (29 on type). The last 90 days included 18 hours, and the last 28 days 8 hours. No passengers were on board.
Sequence of Events
The student had earlier completed two circuits and landings dual with the Chief Flying Instructor, who then authorized solo circuit consolidation. The first solo touch-and-go landing was considered normal. During the second touch-and-go, the student landed to the right of the runway centreline, but the landing itself was otherwise normal. The student applied left rudder to regain the centreline and opened the throttle for takeoff. The turn to the left was more rapid than expected. Seeing that he was moving too far left, the student closed the throttle, abandoned the takeoff, and allowed the aircraft to depart the runway onto the grass.
Damage
The aircraft initially traveled over grass. After moving approximately three aircraft lengths across the grass, the nose landing gear encountered very soft ground and sank into the surface. The nose landing gear was bent backwards, causing one propeller blade to contact the ground.
Assessment
The Chief Flying Instructor discussed the events with the student and concluded that the combination of left rudder and application of full power caused the rapid turn to the left. The student had initially attempted to steer the aircraft using the control column. The decision to abandon the takeoff was considered correct under the circumstances. The report noted that had the ground not been waterlogged, the departure from the runway onto the grass would not have resulted in any damage.
No injuries were reported.