What happened
On 11 June 2007, a Tecnam P2002-EA Sierra, registration G-RLMW, was performing a private takeoff from the grass runway 36 at Glassonby Airfield, Cumbria. The conditions were reported as still air. Approximately 50 metres into the takeoff roll, with the engine at full power, the aircraft reached a rise in the runway surface. This caused the aircraft to become airborne prematurely.
Upon leaving the ground, the aircraft veered toward the left. It settled back onto the runway surface and subsequently bounced back into the air. During this period of instability, the aircraft drifted off the intended course and struck a fence. The impact caused the aircraft to come to a complete stop. The pilot was able to shut down the engine and exit the cockpit without difficulty. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the takeoff roll and the physical characteristics of the runway. It was noted that the aircraft sustained damage to its wings, propeller, and nose landing gear, while several fence posts were also broken by the impact. The pilot's experience was reviewed, noting 468 total flying hours, with 26 hours specifically on this aircraft type.
Findings
- The aircraft became airborne before the intended rotation speed due to the runway topography.
- The aircraft struck a fence after veering left following a bounce on the runway surface.
- The pilot indicated that the collision might have been avoided if the takeoff had been aborted at the moment the aircraft first bounced.