A PILOT has described the Crosland Hill runway as one of the most challenging, as the investigation into a crash last week continues.
Former policeman Allan Dobson said the runway poses many challenges as it is open to the elements due to its high location.
Last Wednesday a pilot climbed unhurt from his £350,000 Diamond four-seater aeroplane after it overshot the runway on take-off.
Mr Dobson, the former chief superintendent of Kirklees police, said it was the second such crash since the end of 2008.
Then, on December 6, a Piper G-BPYO PA-28 crashed on take-off – just weeks earlier Mr Dobson had flown the same plane himself.
He said: “I only knew about it at the time because I had flown that aircraft about two weeks before it crashed.
“It was a bit of a shock knowing I’d flown it too. It was a write-off but thankfully nobody was injured.
“It was taking off and the pilot, for whatever reason, decided to abort and crashed. It was almost identical to last week’s crash.”
Mr Dobson has been flying for nine years and is a member of the Sherburn in Elmet Flying Club, near Leeds. He has taken off from more than 50 airfields and described Crosland Moor as one of the most difficult.
He added: “There are a few things you have to deal with at Crosland Moor – there is an upslope on the runway when you are taking off.
“It’s a high runway with winds coming from the west and it can be a bit unnerving taking off, especially the first time.
“It is one of the most challenging places to take off and land but it’s a nice set-up there.
“The problem is it’s high in comparison to a lot of airfields.
“It’s surrounded by quarries and you get up drafts and down drafts from the quarries.
“You’ve got to have your wits about you and pick a good day.”
A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) unit said the 2008 crash, which had one crew member on board, then aged 64, and two passengers, failed to gain sufficient speed during take-off shortly before 3.30pm from runway 25.
The runway, which has an asphalt surface for the first 550m and 250m of grass, has an upslope of 2.6% over the first three quarters of its length.
In its report, the AAIB said: “The takeoff roll was towards the setting sun, which the pilot found to be a significant distraction and he found it difficult to see inside the cockpit after looking out.”
Prior to that there was an incident on May 3 2008 when a 49-year-old pilot was unable to prevent a Skyranger aircraft leaving the runway after landing in a crosswind. The aircraft struck a low mound of earth and turned over.
The AAIB are continuing to investigate last week’s crash by obtaining written reports from all involved..
