Incident Description
On 26 April 2005, a Piper PA-28-161 Warrior II aircraft, registration G-BOXC, was involved in an aborted takeoff incident at Jersey Airport, Channel Islands. The aircraft sustained damage to the noseleg fork, nosewheel, and engine bearers. No injuries were reported.
Aircraft and Pilot Details
The aircraft, manufactured in 1988, was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D3G piston engine. The commander, a 43-year-old private pilot, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 63 total flying hours, all on the same type. In the 90 days prior, he had logged 0.4 hours, with no flying in the previous 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was cleared for takeoff from Runway 27 at Jersey Airport. The reported wind was 180° at 13 knots, creating a direct crosswind. The pilot prepared for a 'short field' takeoff by setting two stages of flap. As the airspeed reached approximately 45 knots, the pilot found he could no longer maintain directional control; the aircraft began turning left, into the wind. Feeling he was losing control, the pilot abandoned the takeoff and shut down the engine. The aircraft ran onto the grass to the left of the runway, during which the nose landing gear was damaged.
Pilot and Instructor Comments
The pilot commented that the causes of the accident were his lack of recent practice in crosswind conditions and insufficient application of into-wind aileron during the takeoff run. An instructor from the local aero club, familiar with the pilot's flying abilities, noted that a major factor appeared to be the pilot's insufficient use of right rudder pedal to compensate for the crosswind from the left, combined with the application of takeoff power.