Accident Overview
On 11 June 2014, at approximately 1026 hours UTC, a Vans RV-7 aircraft, registration HB-YLM, was involved in an accident during a takeoff attempt at a farm airstrip near Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire. The aircraft sustained damage to both wings, the cowling, and the propeller, as well as to a boundary fence. The sole occupant, the pilot, was not injured. The flight was conducted under private operating rules.
Engine Incident and Precautionary Landing
The aircraft was flying at 2,000 ft over Loch Ness in fine, calm weather when the engine began to run roughly. Using the GPS navigation display, the pilot located a farm airstrip near Fort Augustus. After flying over the airstrip to inspect it, he decided to carry out a precautionary landing, which was completed successfully. Following the landing, the pilot examined the fuel and carburetion systems, finding no faults. A sample of fuel was clear. Subsequent engine runs up to full throttle were normal, leading the pilot to prepare for departure.
Takeoff Attempt and Accident
During the subsequent takeoff, the aircraft drifted to the left side of the airstrip, which the pilot described as damp grass. Attempts to correct the deviation using rudder input proved ineffective. The pilot then reduced engine power to idle and abandoned the takeoff. However, the left wing struck a fence post, causing the aircraft to yaw left and pass through the fence line. The right wing also struck a fence post before the aircraft came to a stop.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 53, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 2,537 total flying hours, of which 1,382 were on the Vans RV-7 type. In the 90 days preceding the event, he had flown 139 hours, with 13 hours in the last 28 days. The aircraft, a single-engine Vans RV-7 powered by a Lycoming O-320 piston engine, was manufactured in 2005 (serial number 70795).