What happened
On 24 August 2000, an Auster J/1 Kingsland, registration G-AJIT, was performing a private flight from Fenland Aerodrome to Earls Colne. During the taxi phase for departure from Runway 36, the pilot was managing several environmental distractions, including the presence of a nearby hovering helicopter, marker boards, and the need to avoid a drain running parallel to the runway.
During this maneuver, the aircraft's left main wheel struck a LITAS approach aid light unit located beside the taxiway near the Runway 36 holding point. The impact caused the aircraft to tip forward onto its nose, resulting in the propeller striking the ground and the immediate cessation of the engine. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained a bent propeller, a dent in the left cowling, and internal engine damage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Following the incident, an engineering inspection was conducted on the aircraft's Continental O-200-A piston engine. This inspection revealed that the engine crankshaft was cracked in four separate locations as a result of the impact and the subsequent sudden stoppage of the engine.