What happened
On 8 July 2017, a Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe, registration G-BSHH, was performing a private flight from Porthtowan Airstrip in Cornwall. Following the completion of standard pre-takeoff procedures and power checks, the pilot began the takeoff roll on a 500-metre grass runway.
Immediately after the aircraft became airborne, the pilot encountered a partial loss of engine power. In an effort to prevent the aircraft from reaching a stone wall located at the perimeter of the airstrip, the pilot performed an emergency landing on the remaining runway and applied heavy braking. This intense braking caused the aircraft to pitch forward, resulting in the propeller striking the ground. The impact caused the engine to stall and the aircraft to overturn. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft through the side doors.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading from the takeoff roll to the final position of the aircraft. The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine's performance and the physical dynamics of the aircraft during the heavy braking maneuver.