Incident Overview
On 23 September 2001, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration G-BXTY) operated by an undisclosed training organisation was involved in an incident at Bournemouth International Airport, Dorset. The aircraft was conducting a solo visual circuits training flight with a student pilot on board. The pilot, aged 41, had a total flying experience of 23 hours, of which 12 hours were on type. The aircraft was manufactured in 1989 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot had completed two successful circuits and landings earlier. The third approach was reported as uneventful, with the aircraft touching down at the correct position, at the appropriate speed, and on the runway centre line. After landing, the pilot checked that the carburettor heat was set to the 'COLD' position, reset the flaps, and applied full power. The aircraft speed was approximately 35 knots at this point. The aircraft accelerated normally, and at about 65 knots, the pilot moved the control column aft to rotate the aircraft. As the nose wheel lifted off the ground, the aircraft swung sharply to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder but with little effect, so he reduced power and aborted the take-off. The aircraft crossed the runway edge at an angle of approximately 45° to the centre line, causing the nose wheel to break off. The aircraft came to rest in a nose-down attitude, having sustained damage to the propeller, nose gear, and several engine components. The pilot was uninjured and vacated the aircraft via the main door.
Weather and Runway Conditions
The meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were reported as: surface wind 130°/20 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, no significant weather, scattered cloud at 2,000 feet, temperature +16°C, and QNH 1013 hPa. Runway 08 was in use, and its concrete surface was dry.
Post-Incident Examination
An assessment of the damage was conducted by the aircraft maintenance organisation. They confirmed that the damage to the nose wheel, propeller, and engine area was consistent with the events described by the pilot. The brakes and main wheels were examined and found to be serviceable. No obvious explanation could be found for the pronounced left swing during the take-off rotation.