AO-1992-003

The aircraft had been chartered to take a 3 person medical team from Taieri Aerodrome to Alexandra and return. Prior to take-off from Alexandra the pilot assessed the wind to be easterly at about 10 knots. He backtracked to a position about 150m or 200m from the threshold of runway 14, selected 10o of flap and commenced take-off. The aircraft accelerated normally and at 50 knots the pilot raised the nose. The aircraft became airborne momentarily but settled again and the pilot decided to abandon the take-off. He could not prevent the aircraft colliding with the boundary fence and it continued on its wheels over rough ground before coming to rest in a small gully 280m from the end of the runway. It was probable that an unexpected change in wind strength and direction, combined with the adverse weight and balance and the take-off technique employed, increased the distance required for the aircraft to become airborne satisfactorily.