What happened
On 5 June 2008, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANMY, was preparing for a private flight from Land Mead Farm Strip, near Abingle, Oxfordshire. Prior to departure, the pilot inspected the east-west grass runway, noting that while heavy rain had occurred two days earlier, the central portion of the strip appeared firm and well-drained. The pilot's assessment of the runway surface was based on a visual inspection.
During the takeoff roll, the wind direction shifted, prompting the pilot to utilize an alternative takeoff area adjacent to the main runway. As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 35 kt, it crested a small rise and encountered a section of standing water and soft ground that had not been previously identified. This sudden change in surface conditions caused the aircraft to decelerate sharply, resulting in the aircraft pitching forward and coming to rest in an inverted position. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and no fire was reported.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the surface conditions of the takeoff area and the pilot's pre-flight inspection. It was established that the pilot had visually assessed the runway, noting patches of water only at the extreme western end and the periphery of the strip. The investigation also considered the impact of the wind change, which necessitated the use of the alternative grass area.