Accident Overview
On 11 October 2020, at 1342 UTC, a Cessna FRA150L Aerobat, registration G-CIIR, was destroyed when it struck the ground shortly after takeoff from Troutbeck Airfield in Cumbria. The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained fatal injuries.
History of the Flight
The pilot and a passenger had flown from Retford (Gamston) Airport to Troutbeck via Netherthorpe Airfield, without obtaining the required prior permission to land at either location. At Troutbeck, the airfield owner, concerned about the aircraft's takeoff performance on the soft runway, instructed the pilot to depart solo to reduce weight. The pilot agreed to use the full length of Runway 36.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne quickly. Witnesses observed it drift left, yaw left, and pitch up. The aircraft then entered a left turn, the left wing dropped, and it descended nearly vertically from about 50 ft above ground level before impacting a field. The aircraft came to rest vertically on its nose after being airborne for just over 10 seconds.
Post-Accident Observations
The impact site showed the aircraft struck the ground near-vertical, with the left wingtip hitting first. The nose section was shortened by approximately 0.75 m. The pilot's harness was found undone by first responders. The right main wheel brake appeared binding, while the left wheel was free. The fuel selector was on; the battery master switch appeared off. Fuel leaked from the right tank, leaving about 5 litres.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified several shortcomings in flight preparation that contributed to the accident, but no specific probable cause was stated.