Accident Summary
On 17 July 2016, at approximately 1615 UTC, a DH82A Tiger Moth (registration G-AOHY, serial no. 3850) operated by the pilot/owner on a private flight experienced an accident during takeoff from Wickenby Aerodrome in Lincolnshire. The single-seat aircraft, powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major MK 10-1 piston engine, had only the pilot on board. The pilot reported no injuries, but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller blades, wings, engine cowling, and empennage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1939, was flown by a 58-year-old pilot holding a Commercial Pilot's Licence with 3,050 total flying hours, including 25 hours on type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, the pilot had logged 15 hours, with 7 hours in the last 28 days.
Narrative
According to the pilot's report, the engine started without difficulty and magneto checks were normal. The pilot applied power for takeoff on the grass strip adjacent to Runway 21. During the takeoff roll, the pilot sensed that the aircraft was not accelerating or climbing as expected. After briefly becoming airborne, the aircraft settled into a wheat crop just beyond the intersection of Runways 16 and 34 and pitched over inverted.
Pilot's Speculation
The pilot speculated that the engine may have been producing insufficient power. He considered a mechanical failure unlikely given the easy starting and satisfactory magneto checks. However, he raised the possibility of carburettor icing following approximately five minutes of ground running at idle power. Alternatively, he considered that he may not have applied full power due to a stiff throttle linkage.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller blades, wings, engine cowling, and empennage. No other injuries or damage to property were reported.