Accident Overview
On 27 July 2012 at 1700 UTC, a DH82A Tiger Moth (registration G-AGYU) was involved in an accident at a private airstrip located 5 nm east of Retford, Nottinghamshire. The aircraft was on a training flight conducting visual circuits. The airstrip was 550 m long with orientation 02/20, and the 02 direction was in use. Weather was fine with a surface wind from the west-north-west at 5 to 10 kt.
Flight Sequence
The flight was the second in a series of conversion training flights. The plan was for the instructor to complete the first circuit and landing, followed by the student performing a takeoff. During the first approach, the aircraft experienced unexpected sink and touched down closer to the beginning of the strip than expected. After a brief discussion, the instructor assessed that sufficient distance remained for the student to carry out a takeoff.
However, the student misjudged how far forward the aircraft had rolled and how much it had slowed. He also forgot to take into account an upward slope at the end of the strip, such that the aircraft became airborne but was unable to gain height. The instructor took control and abandoned the takeoff.
Collision and Damage
The aircraft collided with a vehicle parked near the far end of the strip, a caravan, and a hedge at the field boundary. The damage included the propeller, landing gear, right wings, and forward fuselage, as well as damage to the private car and caravan.
Occupants and Injuries
Both crew members on board—the instructor and the student—were uninjured and able to vacate the aircraft in the normal manner. No passengers were on board.
Pilot Experience
The commander held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and was 57 years old. His total flying experience was 22,000 hours, of which 54 hours were on the Tiger Moth type. In the last 90 days he had flown 49 hours, and in the last 28 days, 17 hours.
Information Source
The report is based on an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.