Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was an Aeroprakt A22-L Foxbat, registration G-NJTC, powered by one Rotax 912 ULS piston engine. It was manufactured in 2006. The flight was conducted under a National Private Pilot’s Licence by a 57-year-old pilot with 368 hours total flying experience, of which 154 hours were on type. He had flown 10 hours in the last 90 days and 4 hours in the last 28 days. One passenger was on board.
Accident Sequence
On 12 December 2009 at 1500 UTC, the aircraft attempted to take off from Runway 36 at Glassonby Airfield, Cumbria. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder but was unable to regain control. He decided to abort the takeoff at a height of approximately 6 ft above the ground. The aircraft touched down to the side of the runway, sustaining damage to its propeller, nose gear, and engine. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.
Aftermath and Inspection
Following the accident, the aircraft was inspected by an engineer experienced on this type of aircraft. No defects were found.