What happened
On 23 August 2017, a PS-2SB Cruiser, registration G-DTFT, was performing a private takeoff from Runway 32 at Leeds Bradford Airport. During the acceleration phase, the aircraft began to veer left due to a 9-knot crosswind and insufficient right rudder application. As the aircraft approached the edge of the runway at approximately 50 knots, the pilot initiated an abrupt rotation to prevent the aircraft from overrunning onto the grass.
Following this rotation, the aircraft entered a low-level orbit. The pilot experienced a significant wing drop and believed the aircraft was in a stalled state. CCTV and witness footage confirmed that the aircraft flew at a very low altitude, passing close to the roofs of airport hangars. At one point, the aircraft's left wingtip nearly touched the ground while in a steep bank. After completing a 360-degree turn, the pilot regained control, established a climb, and returned to the runway to land safely.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the pilot's flight history, aircraft performance, and recorded data. The pilot had relatively limited experience on this specific type, with only five hours of flight time on the PS-28 Cruiser. Records indicated that the pilot had previously struggled with rudder application during training in different aircraft models.
Review of cockpit communications showed the pilot issued a MAYDAY call, though he later updated air traffic control to state there was no longer an emergency. Video evidence from CCTV and mobile phone recordings provided a precise reconstruction of the flight path, confirming the aircraft's altitude remained below 100 feet and that the aircraft was likely in a partially stalled state during the maneuvers.
Findings
- The pilot failed to apply sufficient right rudder to counteract the leftward veer caused by the crosswind during the takeoff roll.
- Instead of aborting the takeoff, the pilot performed an abrupt rotation as the aircraft approached the runway boundary.
- The aircraft's sensitivity to control inputs and power changes contributed to the unstable flight path.
- The pilot's lack of experience on the specific aircraft type may have influenced the handling of the aerodynamic stall and recovery.