What happened
On 9 August 2005, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AMTV, was involved in an accident during a private flight at Oaksey Park, Wiltshire. Following three previous flights earlier that day, the aircraft had been refuelled and the pilot prepared for a subsequent flight with one passenger on board.
During the takeoff roll on the grass runway, the pilot applied full power and used left aileron to counteract a light right crosswind. As the aircraft accelerated, the pilot noted that the tail was not rising at the expected rate. At an airspeed of approximately 40 kt IAS, the left wing lifted. Despite the pilot's efforts to maintain control, the aircraft drifted to the right, eventually striking a standing crop of maize located beside the runway. The impact with the crop caused the aircraft to pitch forward and land on its back.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the aircraft's movement during the takeoff roll and the environmental conditions, which included a surface wind of 320 degrees at 5 knots and a temperature of 23ºC. The investigation also reviewed the flight experience of the commander, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 497 total flying hours, 28 of which were on this specific type.
Findings
- The aircraft's right main wheel made contact with the maize crop during the takeoff roll.
- The impact with the crop caused the aircraft to pitch onto its back.
- The aircraft drifted right towards the standing crop due to the inability to maintain the centerline during the takeoff phase.
- Both occupants were wearing four-point harnesses, which allowed them to vacate the cockpit safely.
- The pilot sustained minor cuts and bruises, while the passenger was uninjured.
- The damage to the wings, rudder, and propeller was determined to be beyond economic repair.