Wing separation during takeoff roll at Yatesbury Airfield

Casualties unknown • Yatesbury Airfield, Wiltshire, GB

An Ikarus C42 FB80 experienced wing lift during its takeoff roll at Yatesbury Airfield, resulting in structural damage but no injuries.

What happened

On 9 May 2025, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-CGNI, was performing a private flight from Yatesbury Airfield in Wiltshire. During the acceleration phase of the takeoff roll, the pilot observed the right wing lifting away from its upper attachment points. The pilot immediately halted the takeoff on the runway, preventing the aircraft from becoming airborne. The movement of the wing during this event caused damage to the airframe and the wing structure. There were no injuries to the pilot during the incident.

The investigation

Investigators determined that the flight was the first operation of the aircraft following a period of maintenance where the right wing had been reinstalled after repairs. Physical examination of the aircraft revealed that while the wing lower strut attachment pin was positioned through the aircraft, the wing strut fitting itself had not been properly engaged. Consequently, the pin failed to pass through the fitting, leaving the inboard end of the lower strut disconnected from the fuselage. As the aircraft gained speed and aerodynamic lift was generated, the wing was able to pivot around its upper attachment points.

Further investigation into the maintenance process showed that the pilot, who was experienced on this type, had completed the wing installation at the end of a long working day. While the aircraft maintenance manual requires a final check involving lifting the wingtip to verify secure attachment, the pilot did not recall performing this specific step. Additionally, although a BMAA inspector had inspected a fabric repair on the wing, this inspection did not encompass the structural rigging of the wing to the airframe.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was the incorrect attachment of the wing strut fitting, which left the lower strut unanchored to the fuselage.
  • The pilot did not perform the mandatory wingtip lift check required by the maintenance manual to confirm secure installation.
  • The wing installation was completed at the end of a long day, potentially impacting the thoroughness of the assembly.
  • The recent inspection by a BMAA inspector was limited to a fabric patch repair and did not include a verification of the wing rigging.

Probable cause

The wing strut fitting was not correctly engaged during reinstallation, allowing the wing to rotate around its upper attachments under aerodynamic load; this error went undetected because the required wingtip attachment check was not performed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-05-09 Ikarus C42 FB80 accident near Yatesbury Airfield, Wiltshire, GB?

An Ikarus C42 FB80 experienced wing lift during its takeoff roll at Yatesbury Airfield, resulting in structural damage but no injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-05-09 involved a Ikarus C42 FB80 , registration G-CGNI, at Yatesbury Airfield, Wiltshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The wing strut fitting was not correctly engaged during reinstallation, allowing the wing to rotate around its upper attachments under aerodynamic load; this error went undetected because the required wingtip attachment check was not performed.

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