Accident Summary
On 13 May 2016, a De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AMCK, was involved in an accident near Sidmouth, Devon. The aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1941, was powered by a single De Havilland Gipsy Major 1 piston engine. The pilot, aged 47, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 810 flying hours, including 120 hours on similar types. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 80 hours, with 30 hours in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Branscome Airfield, with the intention of a short 5-10 minute flight to Dunkeswell. After completing pre-flight checks and engine warm-up, the pilot took off from Runway 10 and set course for Dunkeswell at approximately 1,300 ft, as was his custom to transit below 1,500 ft to assist Exeter Airport ATC.
About two minutes into the flight, the engine experienced a loss of power that the pilot could not resolve. He selected a suitable field for a forced landing. During the approach, just before touchdown, the pilot had to avoid a high ‘Devon hedgebank’, which resulted in a left-wing-low attitude. The aircraft subsequently ground looped, causing substantial damage.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was badly damaged and deemed beyond economic repair. Initially, the pilot believed he had only minor injuries, including being badly winded. However, a hospital check revealed at least one cracked vertebra, which required surgery. The pilot later reported making a full recovery.
Investigation Note
The pilot speculated that an issue with carburetion might be consistent with the power loss he experienced, but he could not be certain. The engine components were too badly damaged to be tested.
The departure location was initially reported as ‘Farway Common Airfield’ but was later corrected to ‘Branscome Airfield’.