What happened
On 4 July 2004, a Cess0172, registration SE-IYF, was performing a private takeoff from the grass landing strip on Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. The pilot had taxied to the eastern end of the runway and performed a 180-degree turn to align for departure. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne sooner than anticipated.
As the aircraft climbed, it drifted to the left due to crosswind conditions. The pilot noted the aircraft was heading toward parked aircraft and bystanders. While attempting to use airspeed to maintain a climb, the aircraft's nose pitched up sharply, causing the airspeed to decay rapidly. The aircraft subsequently stalled, entered a left-hand spin, and impacted the ground at an altitude of approximately 50 to 100 feet. The impact occurred with the left wing first, and the aircraft caught fire.
Witnesses at the scene acted quickly to reach the cockpit. Although the pilot was found unconscious, rescuers managed to extricate him from the cockpit just as an explosion occurred near the left fuel tank. Medical professionals on the scene provided immediate care, and local equipment was used to extinguish the resulting flames.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's alignment, the runway conditions, and the flight dynamics during the takeoff phase. Investigators noted that while the pilot believed the aircraft was aligned with the runway, witnesses observed the aircraft heading toward the windsock and parked equipment.
At the time of the accident, the eastern 200 metres of the landing strip lacked white stone edge markings, which were present on the western portion. This lack of visual cues likely contributed to difficulties in assessing the correct line-up. The investigation also reviewed the engine performance, noting that witnesses observed a constant engine noise level until the moment of impact, suggesting no engine power loss was the primary issue.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a rapid decay in airspeed following a nose-high pitch attitude, leading to a stall and spin.
- The lack of runway edge markings on the eastern section of the strip made it difficult for the pilot to verify correct alignment.
- The pilot's perceived alignment differed from the actual flight path, which drifted left of the centerline.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries thanks to the rapid intervention of bystanders.