Flight Details
On 25 September 2002 at 1145 UTC, a Cessna F172E (registration G-ASPI) was conducting a training flight at Deanland Airfield, East Sussex. The aircraft, with a single Continental Motors Corp O-300D piston engine, had one crew member (the pilot) and no passengers on board. The 60-year-old pilot held a Private Pilot Licence and had 128 total flying hours, including 26 hours in the previous 90 days and 8 hours in the previous 28 days.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft made a normal approach with full flap to grass Runway 24, which is 500 metres long and 27 metres wide. After touchdown, the pilot reported poor braking retardation and decided to apply full power and execute a go-around. The aircraft climbed to approximately 60 feet before the left wing dropped and the aircraft entered a spin to the left. The left wing struck the ground, and the aircraft cartwheeled across the apron, colliding with two hangars. Two witnesses managed to extract the pilot from the wreckage with difficulty. Although the fuel tanks were ruptured, there was no fire. The pilot sustained serious injuries; the aircraft was destroyed and substantial damage was caused to the two buildings.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flaps were at approximately 40°, which is the full or nearly fully extended position. This flap setting is normally used for approaches onto short runways but is never used for takeoff. Normal practice when executing a touch and go is to apply full power and reduce the flap setting to a take-off position before getting airborne again.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not state a probable cause.