What happened
On 21 June 2014, a Gemini Flash II, registration G-MTGA, was conducting a training flight from a private airstrip located in Northiam, East Sussex. Shortly after departing from Runway 02, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. During this maneuver, the left wheel made contact with a fence positioned at the edge of the narrow 18-metre wide strip. The impact caused the aircraft to strike the ground, resulting in bent tubing and damaged fairings. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the departure and the physical environment of the airfield. The pilot, who held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had significant total flying experience, provided information regarding the airfield layout and weather conditions. The investigation focused on the narrowness of the runway strip and the impact of environmental factors on the aircraft's flight path during the initial climb.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft striking a fence located at the edge of the runway.
- The narrow width of the 18-metre runway strip left little margin for error.
- Variable wind conditions at the time of takeoff contributed to the aircraft drifting off the centerline.