Accident Details
On 21 June 2022 at 1130 UTC, a Taylor Monoplane, registration G-BRUO, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Runway 26 at Fishburn Airfield, County Durham. The weather was reported as CAVOK with a northerly wind of 5 knots.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 1990 with serial number PFA 055-10859, was powered by a single Volkswagen 1600 piston engine. The pilot, aged 68, held a Light Aircraft Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 981 total flying hours, of which 9 were on the Taylor Monoplane type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported extremely poor forward visibility during the takeoff roll and therefore referenced the side of the runway for directional guidance. He applied full throttle, and once sufficient speed was reached, the tail rose, providing improved visual cues. At that point, he realized the aircraft was veering to the right of the intended path and believed he overcorrected in both directions. The final deviation to the right occurred as the aircraft became "just about airborne." The pilot attempted to fly out of the situation but lacked sufficient height and speed. The aircraft entered a corn field to the north of the runway. As soon as the wheels contacted the corn, the aircraft overturned and came to rest on top of the pilot.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained a fractured vertebra, classified as a serious injury. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to the front fuselage, and the engine separated from the airframe. The pilot later stated that, in hindsight, he should have closed the throttle and abandoned the takeoff earlier.