Accident Details
The accident occurred on 21 July 2002 at approximately 1225 UTC at White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire. The aircraft, a DH82A Tiger Moth registered G-AKXS, was participating in a formation display organized by the flying club. The meteorological conditions were CAVOK with a surface wind of 320°/10-15 kt.
Sequence of Events
The display involved three Tiger Moths and a DH Rapide. The final element required two Tiger Moths to fly at right angles toward the display line before breaking left and right respectively to fly parallel in opposite directions. Video evidence showed the display was flown in light turbulent conditions. The two aircraft approached at approximately 70 kt and began their break. The aircraft breaking left executed the maneuver without difficulty. However, the aircraft breaking right entered the turn with a high rate of roll, consistent with a full lateral control input, though aileron position was not visible on the video. Simultaneously, substantial right rudder was applied. After turning through approximately 80°, the nose dropped, countered by nose-up elevator. The combination of substantial right rudder and nose-up elevator caused the aircraft to enter a spin to the right. The rudder was then neutralized, and the aircraft completed one further turn before striking the ground.
Post-Impact
The pilot, occupying the rear cockpit, released his harness but could not free his legs due to distorted structure. Two flying instructors arrived and, after the pilot stated he was "OK", removed him from the wreckage due to fire risk. Airfield fire and rescue services sprayed foam around the aircraft as fuel leaked from the ruptured tank. An Air Ambulance helicopter arrived within two minutes and flew the pilot to a local hospital.
Pilot and Aircraft Damage
The front cockpit was completely destroyed. The pilot, wearing a full harness with an additional lap strap and a rigid RAF-type flying helmet, sustained severe back injuries. Inspection revealed failure of one shoulder harness support at the fuselage attachment point. The pilot held an Airline Transport Pilots Licence, was aged 57, and had 14,481 total flying hours (280 on type). Prior to the display, he had flown a Zlin aircraft and performed aerobatics, which require robust control inputs compared to the lighter forces needed for the Tiger Moth.