What happened
On 11 October 1998, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration G-BMJG, was performing a private flight departing from the grass runway 31 at Thruxton Airport, Hampshire. At the time of departure, the aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight, and the runway surface was noted as being damp and soft. Wind conditions were reported from 300°/310° at 15 to 18 knots.
During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced slow acceleration. While performance improved toward the middle of the runway, the aircraft lifted off while still within ground effect. Upon realizing that the aircraft would not have sufficient altitude to clear a bank located at the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. However, the remaining runway distance was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a halt, leading to a collision with a crash barrier belonging to the racing circuit co-located with the airfield. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, though all four occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the runway conditions, the aircraft's weight, and the sequence of the pilot's actions during the takeoff roll. The pilot identified that the primary issue was the timing of the decision to abort the takeoff following the sluggish initial acceleration.