What happened
On 8 September 2002, a Beagle Auster D5 Series 180, registration G-ATMH, was involved in an incident during a glider towing operation at Eyres Field, Dorset. The flight was a private operation involving a single pilot.
The pilot took control of the aircraft while the engine was already running. After completing the necessary pre-takeoff inspections, the pilot taxied the aircraft forward at a walking pace to tension the tow rope connected to a glider. Upon receiving clearance for takeoff, the aircraft began its acceleration. As the pilot raised the tail, the propeller made contact with the ground. The aircraft was immediately brought to a stop, the engine was shut down, and all fuel and electrical systems were switched to the off position.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft following the incident and discovered that one of the brakes was extremely hot. This physical evidence confirmed that the pilot had attempted to initiate the takeoff with the parking brake still applied.
Further inquiry into the circumstances revealed that there had been a lack of clarity regarding the verbal briefing used during the handover of the aircraft. Specifically, confusion existed concerning the status of the parking brake when one pilot takes command of an aircraft from another while the engine is running.
Findings
- The propeller sustained damage and the engine was shock loaded.
- There were no injuries to the pilot.
- The primary cause of the propeller strike was the failure to release the parking brake prior to takeoff.
- Confusion during the handover of control between pilots contributed to the error.