What happened
On 30 May 2016, an Ikarus C42 FB, registration G-IKUS, was involved in an accident during a private flight at Strubby Airfield, Lincolnshire. The pilot attempted to depart from a mown grass strip located north of the airfield's asphalt runway. During the takeoff roll, the pilot realized the aircraft would not clear a hedge situated at the end of the strip. In an attempt to avoid the obstacle, the pilot executed a turn, which resulted in the aircraft impacting the ground. Both the pilot and the single passenger sustained minor injuries, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
Investigators determined that the mown strip used for the takeoff was not a designated runway, despite the pilot referring to it as Runway 32. Analysis of aerial imagery estimated the length of this mown strip to be approximately 140 metres. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's takeoff weight was 446 kg. According to manufacturer performance specifications, an aircraft at a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg requires a distance of 205 metres to clear a 15-metre obstacle.
Findings
- The takeoff distance available on the mown strip was insufficient for the aircraft's weight and the required obstacle clearance.
- The pilot believed that rotor effect from the nearby hedge, which was estimated to be three to four metres high, had hindered the aircraft's climbing performance.
- The pilot had previously used this specific mown strip for departures.