What happened
On 6 December 2008, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-BPYO, was attempting a takeoff from Runway 25 at Crosland Moor, near Huddersfield. The runway consisted of 550 metres of asphalt followed by 250 metres of grass. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed that the aircraft was not gaining sufficient airspeed. By the time the aircraft reached the end of the asphalt section, the speed had only reached 50 knots.
The pilot decided to abort the takeoff; however, the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining grass portion of the runway. The aircraft overran the end of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, cowlings, propeller, and the detachment of the landing gear. There were no fatalities and only one minor injury reported among the three occupants. All persons on board evacuated the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the mechanical and operational circumstances leading to the overrun. It was determined that the pilot had applied carburettor heat during the backtrack to the runway threshold as a precaution against icing, due to high humidity and damp grass. The investigation established that the carburettor heat control had been inadvertently left in the ON position during the takeoff roll.
Additionally, the investigation looked into the environmental conditions. The takeoff was performed towards a low sun, which created significant glare and made it difficult for the pilot to see inside the cockpit after looking outside. The pilot also noted a sense of urgency due to the late hour of the departure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the insufficient airspeed was the carburettor heat control being left in the ON position.
- The pilot's hurried departure due to the late hour may have contributed to the oversight.
- The glare from the setting sun acted as a significant distraction during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot's recent flying experience had been in an aircraft without carburettor heat, which may have contributed to the error.