Accident Overview
On 16 October 2011 at 0909 UTC, a Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III, registration G-GFCD, was involved in an accident during takeoff from a private airstrip at Kimberley, near Norwich, Norfolk. The aircraft was manufactured in 1981 and was powered by two Continental Motors Corp TSIO-360-KB piston engines. The flight was private, with the sole occupant being the pilot.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted successful power checks and then applied full power against the brakes before beginning the takeoff roll on the southeast-bound runway. The airstrip was approximately 755 m long with relatively long grass, which the pilot stated was damp from overnight dew.
About halfway along the strip, the aircraft ran over a bump and became airborne, but with insufficient speed to climb away. It touched down again. The pilot judged that takeoff would not be achieved within the remaining distance but believed there was sufficient runway ahead to stop safely, so he aborted the takeoff. The aircraft decelerated but ran into a hedge at the end of the strip.
During the impact, the forward door was jammed shut by branches, and the pilot exited through the rear door. There was no fire.
Aircraft Damage and Pilot Experience
The right wing, propeller, nose, and fuselage were damaged. The pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence, was 42 years old, and had 922 flying hours, of which 692 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 11 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no technical defect apparent that might have affected normal power being available. It was not possible to determine whether continuing the takeoff would have been successful. The pilot commented that the consequences, had the aircraft not reached flying speed within the distance available, would have been more severe.