What happened
On 21 July 2019, a DH-82A Tiger Moth, registration N545 and 56, was conducting a private flight near a private airstrip at Pent Farm, near Hythe, Kent. The flight involved the aircraft owner in the front cockpit and an experienced commercial pilot as a passenger in the rear. After completing an initial set of circuits, the pair decided to perform additional maneuvers.
During the second takeoff, the owner took control of the aircraft. Shortly after becoming airborne, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 feet, the aircraft began a sharp right turn. The passenger observed the aircraft becoming increasingly cross-controlled, noting heavy right rudder input paired with left control stick movement. As the aircraft's bank angle increased, the nose dropped into a steep, descending attitude. The aircraft struck a crop field in a nearly wings-level but nose-down roll, potentially entering an incipient spin. The pilot in the front cockpit sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger suffered serious injuries but managed to escape the wreckage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the flight controls, finding no evidence of mechanical failure. The rudder control rod connecting the front and rear pedals remained intact, confirming that the pilot had effective control of the rudder. Engine and propeller examinations showed no signs of pre-impact malfunction, suggesting the engine was operating normally at the time of impact.
Flight trials were conducted using a similar Tiger Moth to study the aircraft's handling characteristics. The tests confirmed that while the aircraft is easy to fly, applying significant right rudder at full power can create a powerful rolling moment to the right that exceeds the capability of full left aileron control. The investigation also considered whether the pilot's position in the front cockpit—rather than his usual rear seat—affected his ability to judge the aircraft's attitude.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the application of excessive right rudder at high power, which exceeded the limits of the available left aileron control.
- This resulted in a steepening right turn, a significant nose-down pitch, and a possible incipient spin.
- The pilot failed to take corrective action to centralize the rudder or level the wings.
- While the investigation could not definitively prove why the cross-controlled state developed, the possibility of pilot incapacitation could not be ruled out, as the pilot did not respond to the passenger's queries during the developing maneuver.