Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Denney Kitfox Mk 2, registration G-BSCG, with a single Rotax 582 piston engine. It was manufactured in 1992. The pilot, age 66, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 520 flight hours, of which 76 were on this type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, the pilot had flown zero hours; the same was true for the preceding 28 days.
Accident Narrative
The aircraft had not flown for several months, during which its fuel tanks were drained and left empty. Approximately two weeks before the accident, the aircraft was refuelled with fresh fuel to conduct engine ground runs for testing a new propeller. The engine performed satisfactorily during those runs. The day before the accident, the annual inspection for the revalidation of the Permit to Fly revealed no defects.
On the day of the accident, conditions were described as light wind, with a temperature of 20°C and a dew point of 15°C. The grass runway was damp. Before the flight, the aircraft was refuelled, and a fuel sample taken from the strainer appeared normal. Engine power checks were satisfactory.
During takeoff, the aircraft accelerated normally and reached a height of approximately 9 ft when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot reported that the aircraft immediately stalled, causing the right wing to strike the ground. The aircraft then pitched onto its nose.
Damage and Injuries
The right wing and leading edge tube were bent. The fuselage, engine cowling, and propeller were also damaged. The pilot, who was wearing a four-point harness, was uninjured. The cause of the loss of power was not established.
Additional Information
The pilot flew on average 20 hours per year and had last flown approximately six months before the accident flight. The accident report was submitted by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form.