Event Details
On 26 June 1999, at 1529 hours UTC, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration G-BNXV) was being operated on a private flight from Teesside Airport, County Durham. The pilot, aged 37, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 98 flying hours, of which 19 were on the accident aircraft type. His recent flying experience included 22 hours in the previous 90 days and 12 hours in the previous 28 days.
Sequence of Events
After completing normal pre-takeoff power checks, including exercising carburettor heat, the pilot commenced a takeoff from Runway 23. At approximately 100 feet above ground, the engine stopped abruptly, shortly followed by the activation of the stall warning. The pilot lowered the aircraft's nose with the intention of landing back on the runway.
During the descent, the aircraft encountered two gusts of wind from the right, causing the starboard wing to lift on both occasions. While the pilot corrected the roll, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway and touched down heavily on the adjacent grass. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse.
Post-Event Actions
The pilot turned off the fuel supply and aircraft battery, then both he and the passenger exited the aircraft through normal doors. Airport fire services arrived promptly and applied foam to the immediate area around the aircraft.
Investigation
No cause for the engine failure has been established.