What happened
On 17 March 2013, a private flight was underway at a 420 m long private airstrip located approximately 7 nm south of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The aircraft, an Airborne Edge XT912-B/Streak III-B with registration G-XTEE, had previously completed two successful test flights conducted by another individual. Following these successful maneuvers, the pilot decided to operate the aircraft himself.
The takeoff attempt was initially aborted after the aircraft failed to reach the necessary speed. During a second attempt, the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 40 mph. At this point, the pilot was unable to lift the nose of the aircraft from the ground. As the aircraft continued its run, it began to skid to the right. Despite efforts by the pilot to correct the movement, the aircraft lost directional control, resulting in a left-hand slew and eventually tipping over onto its side. The aircraft sustained damage to its propeller and wing, but the pilot escaped with no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the surface of the airstrip at the time of the accident. It was noted that the weather was clear and calm, with a light wind from 230° blowing directly along the length of the airstrip. The ground surface was found to be wet and covered by approximately 3 inches of frozen snow.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the unsuitable ground conditions for takeoff, specifically the presence of frozen snow and wet surfaces.
- The pilot later acknowledged that the second takeoff attempt should have been avoided due to the state of the airstrip.