History of the Flight
On 12 July 2020 at 1350 UTC, the pilot of G-COLF, a Bristell NG5 Speed Wing, was backtracking on Runway 08 at a private strip in Birdsedge, Yorkshire. He noticed an area of undulating soft ground across the runway. After turning around at the threshold, he taxied forward to position beyond the soft area before starting his takeoff. While crossing the soft ground, the aircraft became bogged down. The pilot applied increasing power to overcome the resistance, reaching a level that bystanders thought indicated the start of the takeoff run. The nosewheel then castored to the left, and the aircraft veered off the runway, colliding with G-BAFG, a DH82A Tiger Moth, which was parked on the adjacent grass area.
The pilot of G-COLF believed the aircraft may have become stuck in a rut on the runway, causing the left wheel spat to dig into the ground and the aircraft to pivot under power. The proximity of G-BAFG to the runway edge left the accident pilot with little time to react before the collision.
The AAIB report noted that unlicensed airfields can have their own specific hazards. In this case, parked aircraft near the runway and the use of high power to avoid bogging down in soft ground were catalysts for the accident.
Aircraft and Crew Information
G-COLF was a Bristell NG5 Speed Wing, manufactured in 2015 (serial no. 14045-2762), powered by one Rotax 912ULS piston engine. It was on a private flight with one crew and one passenger. The commander held a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence, was 81 years old, and had 1,117 flying hours (455 on type), with 16 hours in the last 90 days and 8 hours in the last 28 days.
G-BAFG was a DH82A Tiger Moth, manufactured in 1942 (serial no. 85995), powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major 1F piston engine. It was also on a private flight with one crew and one passenger. The commander held an Air Transport Pilot’s Licence, was 37 years old, and had 10,000 flying hours (3 on type), with 1 hour in the last 90 days and 0 hours in the last 28 days.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported on either aircraft. G-COLF sustained damage to its wing and tailplane, while G-BAFG sustained damage to its wing.
Location and Timing
The accident occurred at a private strip in Birdsedge, Yorkshire, on 12 July 2020 at 1350 UTC. Both flights were private.