Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident involved a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration G-BCSM), a single-engine tailwheel aircraft powered by a Lycoming O-360-C2E piston engine. The aircraft was manufactured in 1974. The pilot, aged 62, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 1,588 hours, including 9 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 98 hours, and in the last 28 days, 23 hours.
Accident Sequence
On 7 January 1999 at 1220 UTC, the pilot landed at Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome, Yorkshire, to pick up a passenger for the return flight to Rufforth. After boarding the passenger, the pilot prepared for departure. The aircraft was serviceable. The pilot lined up on grass Runway 11. The surface wind was reported as 140°/07 kt. The runway surface was wet, soft, and greasy.
Shortly after the start of the take-off roll, the aircraft suddenly swung to the left, reaching an angle of 70° to the runway centreline. The pilot applied right brake and rudder but was unable to correct the swing. He closed the throttle as the aircraft left the runway. The aircraft entered a soft, ploughed field, where it pitched forward and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage. The pilot and passenger were restrained by their harnesses, which held them securely in the inverted position. After jettisoning the cabin door, they exited the aircraft with only minor injuries.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot considered that the cause of the accident was insufficient brake effectiveness and rudder power at low speed to correct the swing on the soft and slippery grass surface. He also considered that the swing may have been caused by the tail wheel being cocked at the start of the take-off roll and suddenly encountering a drier patch of runway after skidding during the initial part of the take-off roll.