What happened
On 5 March 2022, a pilot attempted to fly an EV-97 Teameurostar UK, registration G-CFNW, from a field near Duns, Scotland. Two days earlier, the pilot had performed a precautionary landing in a nearby field due to deteriorating weather conditions. Upon returning to the aircraft on 5 March, the pilot found the landing site had become too boggy for a safe takeoff.
Believing the adjacent A6105 road provided a suitable runway, the pilot decided to use the public highway for departure. The pilot had not requested permission from the Scottish Borders Council nor notified the police of this intention. While local residents assisted in closing the road to traffic, the pilot commenced the takeoff run using full power and takeoff flaps.
As the aircraft reached rotation speed, a sudden gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation with rudder and aileron inputs, but the right wing tip struck the road surface, causing a yaw to the right. Subsequently, the left wing struck a roadside hedge, causing the aircraft to rotate 180 degrees and come to rest on top of the hedge. The pilot sustained one minor injury.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the suitability of the A6105 as an operating site and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation established that the width of the road and the distance between the hedges were significantly narrower than the minimum dimensions recommended by CAA guidance for unlicensed aerodromes. Specifically, the hedges provided only 1.55 m of clearance for the wing tips, whereas regulations suggest no vertical obstacles should be within 25 m of the centerline.
Investigators also noted that the pilot had not sought the necessary permissions from the local council or the police, which would have allowed for a formal safety assessment and the implementation of proper traffic diversions.
Findings
- The accident was caused by the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff due to a wind gust.
- The A6105 was not an adequate operating site for the aircraft type.
- The pilot failed to seek permission from the Scottish Borders Council or Police Scotland.
- The aircraft's wingspan left insufficient clearance from the roadside hedges.