Accident Summary
On 10 June 2012 at 0940 UTC, a Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat, registration G-PHLY, sustained extensive damage after overrunning Runway 24 at Netherthorpe Airfield, South Yorkshire. The aircraft, a 1973 model with a single Continental Motors Corp O-240-A piston engine, was being used for a private flight with one pilot and one passenger. Neither occupant reported injuries.
Flight Details
The pilot, a 17-year-old holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 75 hours of flying experience (all on type), intended to conduct a local flight carrying one passenger. The takeoff was planned on Runway 24, a grass runway 553 m long with a takeoff run available of 490 m. The weather conditions were reported as suitable: broken cloud cover, good visibility, and a surface wind from 200° at 5 kt. Runway 24 has an uphill gradient of 1.9%. It was noted that some other aircraft had taken off on the opposite runway, Runway 06.
Events Leading to the Accident
After completing all normal checks satisfactorily, the pilot commenced the takeoff run. At 60 kt, he pulled back on the control column. The aircraft became airborne briefly but then sank back onto the runway. The pilot applied full wheel brakes but could not prevent the aircraft from leaving the end of the runway. It struck a hedge, turned over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot assisted his passenger out of the aircraft and then vacated it himself.
Aircraft Configuration and Weight
According to supplied weight and balance information, the aircraft was close to its maximum takeoff weight. The aircraft was reported to have been configured correctly, with wing flaps set at 10°.
Performance Analysis
A performance calculation carried out by the AAIB indicated that the aircraft was capable of taking off with the recommended safety margins within the distance available, although performance would have been reduced by the uphill gradient.
Comments from the Flying Club
The flying club’s Chief Flying Instructor commented that the accident was probably due to an incorrect takeoff technique, combined with a delayed decision to abandon the takeoff attempt.