Cessna 172 Nosed Over After Aborted Takeoff in Kent

Casualties unknown • Clipgate Farm, Denton, Kent, GB

A private flight in a Reims Cessna F172N Skyhawk ended in an aircraft inversion after the pilot attempted to abort a takeoff at a grass airstrip.

What happened

On 15 July 2004, a Reims Cessna F1t2N Skyhawk, registration G-BFTX, was performing a short local flight from a private grass airstrip near Denton, Kent. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the takeoff roll on Runway 20, the aircraft reached rotation speed and lifted off as expected. However, shortly after liftoff, the aircraft sank back onto the runway surface.

Recognizing a loss of airspeed, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff procedure. Upon closing the throttle and applying maximum braking, the pilot observed that the windsock was hanging vertically, indicating a significant drop in wind speed. As the aircraft decelerated, it veered toward the right into longer grass. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft toward a nearby crop field using left rudder, but the aircraft failed to complete the turn. The G-BFTX eventually struck an earth bank at the southern edge of the airstrip at approximately 10 knots. The impact caused the nose landing gear to break away and likely stalled the engine, leading the aircraft to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

The investigation examined the conditions at the airstrip and the mechanical state of the aircraft. It was noted that the aircraft was well within its maximum takeoff mass. The investigation established that the pilot had performed the takeoff with flaps set to 10 degrees and had completed all necessary power checks. The investigation also looked into the braking performance and the surface conditions of the runway, which consisted of mown grass.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the aborted takeoff was a sudden reduction in surface wind, which resulted in a loss of lift and caused the aircraft to settle back onto the runway.
  • The aircraft's ability to stop and maneuver was severely compromised by the lack of wheel grip on the grass surface and the fact that the wheels were locked during braking.
  • There were no injuries to the two occupants, although the aircraft sustained extensive damage to the engine and airframe.

Probable cause

The aircraft sank back onto the runway due to a sudden drop in wind speed during takeoff, and the subsequent attempt to stop and maneuver failed because of locked wheels and insufficient traction on the grass surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-15 REIMS CESSNA F172N accident near Clipgate Farm, Denton, Kent, GB?

A private flight in a Reims Cessna F172N Skyhawk ended in an aircraft inversion after the pilot attempted to abort a takeoff at a grass airstrip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-15 involved a REIMS CESSNA F172N, registration G-BFTX, at Clipgate Farm, Denton, Kent, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft sank back onto the runway due to a sudden drop in wind speed during takeoff, and the subsequent attempt to stop and maneuver failed because of locked wheels and insufficient traction on the grass surface.

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