What happened
On 23 June 2015, a Denney Kitfox, registration G-BSCH, was involved in an accident during a private flight from a 310-metre grass airstrip located at Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire. The pilot, who had not flown for three months, intended to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the aircraft was approaching its rotation speed and continued past a visual marker used to monitor the takeoff progress. As the aircraft became airborne, it struck a hedge situated on the western boundary of the strip. This impact caused the aircraft to overturn into an adjacent area of tall crops. The pilot sustained one minor injury to the head but was able to exit the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft suffered damage to the propeller, nose cone, windscreen, and rudder, with the engine potentially suffering a shock-load.
The investigation
The investigation examined the conditions at the airfield and the pilot's actions during the takeoff. It was noted that the grass on the strip was long and dry at the time of the incident. The pilot reported that he had recently lost weight and had ensured his harness was tightened prior to departure. The pilot also identified his own over-enthusiasm to fly as a contributing factor to the event.