What happened
During a flight approximately 50 minutes after departure, the aircraft returned to the Humberside circuit and received clearance from air traffic control for a touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 21. While the landing itself was described as firm, the subsequent takeoff roll proceeded normally until the moment of rotation. At this stage, observers noted large plumes of smoke emerging from the area near the main wheels, as both propellers made contact with the runway surface.
Following the propeller strike, the aircraft became airborne but immediately experienced a significant leftward yaw and roll. The left bank angle reached approximately 90 degrees before the wingtip made contact with the ground. The aircraft then proceeded to cartwheel across the grass area located south of the runway, where the wreckage ignited. While the two pilots occupying the cockpit seats managed to escape the wreckage, the flight examiner seated in the passenger cabin could not exit the aircraft and died from injuries caused by the post-impact fire. The total number of fatalities was 1, with 2 survivors.
Findings
An engineering inspection of the aircraft revealed no mechanical defects or malfunctions that could have contributed to the accident. The investigation determined that the primary factor in the accident was the inadvertent retraction of the landing gear while the aircraft was still on the ground.