What happened
On 12 September 2006, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, registration G-BMML, was performing a training flight at Barton Aerodrome, Manchester. The instructor was guiding a student through a short field takeoff technique from a grass runway. During the procedure, the aircraft was held on the brakes with one notch of flap selected before power was applied.
As the aircraft accelerated down the grass strip, the instructor monitored the engine gauges, which appeared normal. While the initial rotation and acceleration within ground effect proceeded without issue, the aircraft'-s nose began to rise excessively as it attempted to climb away. The instructor attempted to correct the pitch by lowering the nose and instructed the student to maintain a proper attitude. However, the nose rose again, prompting the instructor to take manual control. At this stage, the instructor noted that the flight controls felt 'sloppy' and realized the aircraft was descending. To prevent further loss of altitude, the instructor lowered the nose and confirmed the throttle was fully open. Realizing there was insufficient runway remaining and noting a busy road directly ahead, the instructor steered the aircraft into a hedge. The impact with two concrete posts hidden within the hedge resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond economic repair.
The investigation
The investigation, supported by the pilot's accident report and inquiries, examined the flight dynamics and the aircraft's condition. The Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) observed the takeoff from the tower and noted that the acceleration seemed sluggish. The FISO also witnessed the aircraft pitch up and struggle to climb, eventually entering a steep nose-down attitude as it reached the end of the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft pitching up excessively during the climb, leading to a stall.
- The instructor was unaware that the aircraft's vane-type stall warning system was functional during the event.
- Both the instructor and student escaped the wreckage without injuries.