Rans S5 Coyote landing gear collapse at Welshpool Airport

Casualties unknown • Welshpool Airport, Powys, GB

A private flight in a Rans S5 Coyote ended in a heavy landing in a ploughed field after the pilot attempted to test minimum unstick speeds.

What happened

On 13 March 2016, a Rans S5 Coyote, registration G-MZGD, was involved in an accident at Welshpool Airport, Powys, during a private flight. The pilot had intended to conduct a longer flight but, due to low cloud cover, decided to perform an impromptu test to determine the aircraft's minimum unstick speed while at a higher weight following recent refuelling.

During the takeoff roll on Runway 22, the pilot operated with reduced power, balancing the aircraft on its main wheels. As the aircraft progressed halfway down the runway, the nose-high attitude significantly restricted forward visibility. Fearing a runway excursion and a potential collision with an edge light, the pilot applied full power. This decision created a critical situation where the aircraft began traveling nearly perpendicular to the runway over a ploughed field, with the right wing approaching a stall.

To avoid power cables located to the left, the pilot initially accepted the rightward turn. However, upon realizing the danger of the trajectory, the pilot reduced power and attempted to land. The aircraft struck the ploughed field with significant force, resulting in the collapse of the nose and right main landing gear, along with damage to the engine mounts and propeller.

The investigation

The AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the takeoff roll and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration, the environmental conditions, and the sequence of maneuvers performed during the aborted takeoff attempt. The investigation established that the pilot was operating the aircraft at a higher-than-normal weight due to recent refuelling.

Findings

  • The pilot was conducting an unauthorized test of the aircraft's minimum unstick speed.
  • The aircraft was operating at a higher weight than usual due to recent refuelling.
  • The pilot's decision to apply full power to avoid runway edge lights led to an uncontrolled rightward turn.
  • The aircraft's nose-high attitude during the takeoff roll caused severe forward visibility issues.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to apply full power during the takeoff roll to avoid runway lights, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a heavy landing in a ploughed field.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-03-13 Rans S5 Coyote accident near Welshpool Airport, Powys, GB?

A private flight in a Rans S5 Coyote ended in a heavy landing in a ploughed field after the pilot attempted to test minimum unstick speeds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-03-13 involved a Rans S5 Coyote, registration G-MZGD , at Welshpool Airport, Powys, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to apply full power during the takeoff roll to avoid runway lights, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a heavy landing in a ploughed field.

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