Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, G-AVRP, 5 August 2007

Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, G-AVRP

Summary:

The aircraft departed from Runway 23, with four people on board, on a flight to Pontivy, France. Its takeoff ground roll was noticeably long and, having lifted off, G-AVRP climbed to about 50 ft agl and maintained that height as it flew over rising ground beyond the end of the runway. As it approached trees at the top of the rising ground, the aircraft was seen to pitch up and clear the trees before its nose dropped and it descended out of sight. The aircraft struck another line of trees and crashed into a field. The aircraft rapidly caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the Airport Fire-fighting and Rescue Service (FFRS). All the occupants of the aircraft died in the accident and the aircraft was destroyed. It was established that the aircraft’s predicted performance, at its estimated takeoff weight and in the prevailing conditions, should have enabled a successful departure. Its failure to do so may have been the result of reduced engine power, a tailwind component, a greater takeoff weight than estimated, an incorrect piloting technique during takeoff or a combination of some or all of these factors. Two Safety Recommendations are made.

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Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, G-AVRP 10-08.pdf (1,169.05 kb)

Published 10 December 2014