AAIB investigation to Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, G-BSIM 20 August 2019
Loss of control during takeoff, Branscombe Airfield, Devon, 20 August 2019.
Summary:
The pilot had lined up on Runway 28 at Branscombe Airfield for a return flight to his home base at RAF Henlow. The reported wind was from 180º at 9 kt, although a windsock, visible in a moving image recording of the takeoff, indicated that it was gusting considerably higher than this. The maximum demonstrated cross wind for the aircraft is 17 kt.
As the takeoff commenced the pilot’s directional control of the aircraft was not steady, and the nose of the aircraft lifted at low speed. The aircraft then became briefly airborne and ‘weathercocked’ in to the wind and towards the airfield boundary hedge. The pitch angle continued to increase, and the aircraft sank back on to its main wheels and its tail contacted the ground.
The aircraft then became airborne again in a nose-high, low speed condition. The pilot attempted to turn towards the runway and the aircraft ‘mushed’ on to the boundary hedge. There were no injuries, but the aircraft was substantially damaged.
AAIB comment
Proper technique and practice are vital to achieve a safe cross wind takeoff, especially when the wind speed is close to the demonstrated maximum.
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