What happened
On 29 September 2018, a Pioneer 300, registration G-CEAR, was performing a private flight departing from Sandown Airfield. During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a ridge on the runway, which caused it to lift off before reaching the necessary rotation speed. The aircraft subsequently descended back to the runway, striking a second ridge which caused a further bounce. After a third contact with the runway, the aircraft successfully climbed away and proceeded toward its destination.
Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, while flying near New Alresford, Hampshire, smoke began to fill the cockpit. The pilot issued a PAN-PAN call and was directed to land at Popham Airfield. The aircraft landed safely, and emergency fire crews attended the scene to manage the situation.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's engine compartment and airframe following the incident. The inspection revealed that the exhaust tailpipe had become dislodged from its position. This displacement allowed hot exhaust gases to blow directly onto the engine cowling and the firewall, resulting in heat-related damage to various components. The intense heat applied to the fibreglass cowling produced the smoke that entered the cockpit via the ventilation system.
Furthermore, the airframe sustained structural damage, including hairline cracks on the leading edge of the wing skin and deformation of the landing gear brackets.