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:
皇冠体育app pilot had lined up on Runway 28 at Branscombe Airfield for a return flight to his home base at RAF Henlow. 皇冠体育app reported wind was from 180潞 at 9 kt, although a windsock, visible in a moving image recording of the takeoff, indicated that it was gusting considerably higher than this. 皇冠体育app maximum demonstrated cross wind for the aircraft is 17 kt.
As the takeoff commenced the pilot鈥檚 directional control of the aircraft was not steady, and the nose of the aircraft lifted at low speed. 皇冠体育app aircraft then became briefly airborne and 鈥榳eathercocked鈥� in to the wind and towards the airfield boundary hedge. 皇冠体育app pitch angle continued to increase, and the aircraft sank back on to its main wheels and its tail contacted the ground.
皇冠体育app aircraft then became airborne again in a nose-high, low speed condition. 皇冠体育app pilot attempted to turn towards the runway and the aircraft 鈥榤ushed鈥� on to the boundary hedge. 皇冠体育appre 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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