Accident Details
On 9 August 1999 at 1445 UTC, a Piper PA-46 (registration N88PL) was involved in an accident at Grove Fields Farm, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire. The aircraft was a single-engine piston aircraft with a TSIO 550 C1B engine, manufactured in 1985. The flight was a private operation with only the pilot on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence with an Instrument Rating, was 56 years old, and had accumulated 3,200 total flying hours, including 1,260 hours on type. The last 90 days included 32 hours, with 16 hours in the last 28 days.
Pre-flight Inspection
The pilot had inspected the grass strip at approximately 0800 hours on the morning of the accident by driving a car along it. Although no rain had fallen since that time, the grass was still wet. The river bordering the southern boundary of the strip had risen, causing some flooding at the southwest end. Conditions were calm with no wind, and the temperature was reported as 21°C.
Takeoff and Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated takeoff in a southwesterly direction with 20° flap and full power. Acceleration was slow. After a ground roll of about 600 feet at approximately 55 knots, the pilot rotated the aircraft to the takeoff attitude and raised the landing gear as soon as the aircraft became airborne. The aircraft did not climb. The pilot subsequently executed a controlled landing with the landing gear retracted in corn stubble to the right of the strip.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained minor damage to the underside of the fuselage and landing gear doors. The propeller was damaged, and the engine underwent a shock load test. The pilot, who was wearing lap and diagonal upper torso restraint, escaped without injury.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot assessed the cause of the accident as attempting to take off on wet grass.