What happened
On 14 June 1998, a DH8ES Tiger Moth, registration G-AHUV, was performing practice touch-and-go landings at the Lude Estate near Blair Atholl, Perthshire. The flight was being conducted under favorable weather conditions, characterized by fine visibility and light winds.
While the initial four circuits were completed without incident, the fifth landing resulted in a loss of directional control. As the pilot applied power and attempted to raise the tail, the aircraft experienced a rightward yaw. The lower right wing made contact with long grass at the edge of the landing strip, and the resulting drag caused the aircraft to veer further to the right. As the aircraft drifted off the strip toward nearby farm buildings and trees, the main wheels became entangled in the thick grass.
In an attempt to navigate the aircraft between obstacles, the pilot shut down the engine. However, the aircraft struck a fence post at approximately 20 mph, which caused the plane to overturn.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events leading to the aircraft leaving the strip and the subsequent impact with the fence post. It was noted that both occupants were wearing Sutton Harnesses at the time of the accident. The structural integrity of the upper wing bracing struts played a role in supporting the fuselage after the aircraft overturned, preventing further injury.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained severe damage to its wings, propeller, undercarriage, tail plane, and fin.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
- The primary cause of the excursion was the drag created by long grass contacting the right wing, which induced a yaw and subsequent loss of directional control.