Accident Overview
On 11 October 1998, at approximately 0905 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration G-BMJG) was involved in an accident during takeoff from Runway 31 at Thruxton Airport, Hampshire. The private flight carried one pilot and three passengers. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but none of the four occupants were injured.
Sequence of Events
The takeoff was conducted from a grass runway that was reported to be soft and damp. The surface wind was from 300° to 310° at 15 to 18 knots. The aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight. Initial acceleration was slow, but improved at the midpoint of the runway. The aircraft lifted off and entered ground effect. At that point, the pilot determined that the aircraft would not clear a bank at the end of the runway and decided to abandon the takeoff. However, he was unable to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance, and it collided with a crash barrier associated with the race track co-located with the airfield.
Pilot's Account
The pilot, aged 42, held a Private Pilot's Licence with IMC and Night Rating and had 636 total flying hours, including 30 hours on the type. He reported that the cause of the accident was his late decision to abandon the takeoff following the initial slow acceleration.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft suffered substantial damage. All four occupants reported no injuries.