Incident Overview
On 21 June 1998, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration G-AXMP) operated by a private pilot aborted a takeoff from Stapleford Airport in Essex, resulting in a collision with a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) support pole. The aircraft sustained minor damage to panels on its left-hand side. No injuries were reported among the two crew members and two passengers.
Flight Details
The pilot, aged 49, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 144 total flying hours, including 39 hours on the PA-28 type. His recent flying experience was limited: 1 hour in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days. The intended flight was a pleasure flight with four persons on board. Weight and balance calculations showed the aircraft was within limits.
Takeoff and Abort
The surface wind was 270° at 10 knots, ambient temperature 22°C. The pilot completed engine power checks at the threshold of Runway 22 Left, which had a total usable length of 1,077 metres (first 610 metres asphalt, remainder grass). Using full power and 10° flap, the aircraft accelerated to about 75 kt. The pilot applied back pressure to lift the nose wheel but became dissatisfied with the aircraft's handling and performance, deciding to abort the takeoff. At that point, the aircraft was on the grass portion of the runway. When brakes were applied, the aircraft veered suddenly and uncontrollably to the left, striking a VASI support pole before coming to rest.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot attributed the accident to his recent lack of flying experience, combined with the upslope of the runway and the relatively high temperature, which gave him a false impression of the aircraft's performance. He believed that had the aircraft not swung left, he would have been able to stop on the runway. He could not explain why the aircraft swung left.