What happened
On 19 June 2014, a Thruster T600N aircraft, registration G-SLAK, was involved in an accident during a private flight from Wing Farm Airstrip in Wiltshire. The pilot had previously operated from the airfield earlier that day and intended to conduct a local flight with one passenger.
While performing pre-takeoff checks, the pilot noted a shift in wind direction, prompting a decision to use Runway 27 instead of the previously used Runway 09. During the takeoff roll on the 500-metre grass runway, the pilot noticed that the aircraft's nose did not feel sufficiently light. Although the engine tachometer showed normal RPM, the pilot became concerned and attempted to abort the takeoff.
As the throttle was closed, the pilot realized the aircraft had already become airborne at an estimated height of 10 feet. Fearing the aircraft might bounce upon contact with the ground, the pilot reapplied power. This action did not prevent a heavy landing, which caused the aircraft to pitch forward and come to rest in an inverted position. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the aircraft's performance during the takeoff roll, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, empennage, left wing, and strut. The pilot noted that after exiting the aircraft, the wind had returned to an easterly direction.
Findings
- The pilot's lack of experience in managing the specific aerodynamic situation caused the accident.
- The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff due to a perceived lack of lift, but the aircraft had already reached flight altitude.
- The decision to re-apply power to avoid a potential bounce contributed to the heavy landing and subsequent inversion.