Accident Overview
On 18 November 2012 at 1515 UTC, a Cessna 180 (registration G-BEOD) was involved in an accident during takeoff from Runway 03 at Lydd Airport, Kent. The flight was a private circuit training exercise with only the pilot and one other crew member on board; no passengers were carried. Both crew members reported no injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a single-engine Cessna 180 manufactured in 1955 (serial number 32092), was powered by a Continental Motors Corp O-470-L piston engine. The pilot, aged 76, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 518 total flying hours, including 22 hours on the Cessna 180. His flying experience in the 90 days prior to the accident was 1 hour, with the same amount in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the wind direction was 090° at approximately 4 kt. He initiated the takeoff run with the first stage of flap selected. As the tail lifted and full power was applied, he applied right rudder to counteract engine torque. At an indicated airspeed of 60 mph, the aircraft lifted off. However, the aircraft suddenly veered to the left. Despite the pilot's attempt to correct with right rudder and aileron, he was unable to prevent the right wingtip from striking the ground. The aircraft came to a halt with the right main landing gear strut detached and additional damage to the right wingtip, tailplane, and propeller.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the right wing, landing gear, propeller, and tailplane. The right main landing gear strut became detached during the event.