What happened
On 7 June 2014, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANHK, was performing a private flight from a grass airstrip near Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's lower right wing made contact with standing crops located adjacent to the runway.
As the aircraft progressed at a speed of approximately 35 kt, it experienced a significant rightward yaw of roughly 120 degrees. This maneuver caused the lower left wing to strike the ground. The momentum of the aircraft then caused it to tip forward onto its nose, resulting in the propeller making contact with the earth and the engine subsequently stalling. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examiner reviewed the sequence of the takeoff roll and the environmental conditions at the time of the event. The pilot, who was wearing a protective helmet and a full harness, noted that the weather was fine and a light wind was blowing directly along the direction of the airstrip.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowling, landing gear, propeller, struts, and the wing.
- The sequence of events was initiated when the lower right wing struck standing crops near the edge of the grass airstrip.