Incident Overview
A scheduled passenger flight from the Scilly Isles to Plymouth experienced a serious accident during take-off from St. Mary's Aerodrome. The aircraft, carrying seven passengers and one pilot, was departing from the grass strip in calm conditions when the incident occurred.
Sequence of Events
During the take-off run, the aircraft developed a series of bounces and swung sharply to the left and then to the right. It became airborne shortly before crossing the boundary of the useable area of the aerodrome. After becoming airborne, the aircraft banked to the right, and the tip of the lower starboard wing was seen to cut through gorse bushes in the overrun area. A few yards further, the starboard wing struck a large rock. The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel and catch fire. The aircraft came to rest with the rear part of the fuselage overhanging a cliff.
Evacuation and Rescue
All seven passengers escaped the burning aircraft through the emergency hatch in the cabin roof. The pilot, who was seriously injured, was extricated from the cockpit wreckage by a member of the aerodrome fire service and an airline employee.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by a burst mainwheel tyre during the take-off run.