Incident Details
On 6 December 2002 at 1000 UTC, a Piper PA-31 Navajo (registration G-FILL) was preparing for takeoff from a grass runway at a private airstrip near Peterborough (Milton). The aircraft was on a private flight with only the pilot on board; there were no passengers.
Sequence of Events
As the pilot applied power, the aircraft swung to the left. He reduced power and attempted to counteract the swing using right rudder pedal nose wheel steering. Initially this appeared ineffective, so he increased the amount of right nose wheel steering input. At that point, the aircraft turned to the right and began to skid across the grass toward the right side of the strip, turning through more than 90 degrees and reaching a maximum speed of approximately 20 knots. The pilot closed both throttles but was unable to prevent the aircraft from departing the runway and entering a ploughed field. The left landing gear leg sank into the surface, causing the left propeller to strike the ground and stop. The right propeller also struck the ground but continued to rotate.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-31 Navajo, manufactured in 1979, equipped with two Lycoming TIO-540-A2C piston engines. The nature of damage included damaged propellers and engine shock loading.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 59, held an Airline Transport Pilots Licence and had a total flying experience of 6,667 hours, with 145 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 42 hours, and in the last 28 days, 6 hours.
Environmental Conditions
The surface of the grass runway was described as soft and wet due to recent rain.
Pilot's Report
The pilot reported that a more gradual application of power might have reduced the initial left swing, enabling him to maintain better directional control.