History of the Flight
The pilot intended to carry out a local VFR flight from Rochester Airport with two passengers. During the takeoff run, the pilot experienced vibration from the front of the aircraft, which stopped when the nosewheel lifted clear of the ground. After takeoff at approximately 55 kt, the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot lowered the aircraft's nose and landed back on the runway. Heavy vibration from the nose landing gear caused concern that the aircraft would 'nose over', so the pilot did not continuously use maximum braking. The aircraft failed to stop before leaving the runway, ran down an embankment, and came to rest next to a public road. The right wing detached during the impact sequence. The occupants suffered minor injuries and were assisted from the aircraft by the Airport Fire and Rescue Service. There was no fire.
Investigation
An external examination of the engine showed no evidence of major failure. The pilot did not report any loss of engine power during the takeoff run. Examination of the aircraft by the recovery organization found no obvious reason for the vibration thought to have come from the nose landing gear. A review of weight and balance calculations confirmed that the aircraft's center of gravity was within limits and that it was approximately 170 lb below its maximum takeoff weight. Photographs taken immediately after the incident showed flaps set at 25°, corresponding to the setting for a short or soft field takeoff. The power-off stall speed at the aircraft's estimated weight in that configuration would have been approximately 48 kt. Weather conditions at the time included a temperature of 23°C and a light, variable wind of 5 kt.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-BVOA, manufactured in 1979. It was powered by one Lycoming O-360-A4M piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was aged 71, and had 262 hours total flying experience (74 on type), with 3 hours in the last 90 days and 0.5 hours in the last 28 days. The flight was private. The takeoff was observed by ATC, who reported that after lifting off approximately one third of the way down the runway, the aircraft's right wing dropped, recovered momentarily, and then dropped again; the ATC officer activated the crash alarm.