Introduction
On 5 August 2002, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AOIS, was involved in an accident at Sherburn-in-Elmet airfield, Yorkshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1939, was powered by a single De Havilland Gipsy Major 1 piston engine. The flight was private, with one pilot and one passenger on board. Neither occupant was injured. The aircraft sustained damage to its engine and landing gear.
Accident Sequence
The pilot planned to take off on grass Runway 29, which had a take-off run available of 616 metres. Heavy rain had fallen for two days prior, and although the day of the occurrence was dry, the surface remained noticeably soft. The pilot reported being dissatisfied with the aircraft's acceleration during the first take-off attempt and aborted early in the roll. After chocking the aircraft, he tested the engine to 2,000 rpm and, satisfied with its response, taxied back to the threshold of Runway 29 for a second attempt. During the second take-off, the roll was longer than usual. The aircraft became airborne but achieved only a minimal rate of climb, reaching a maximum height of 30 feet. With an industrial estate ahead, the pilot chose to turn slightly to the right and landed heavily on grass near the end of Runway 29, in the overshoot area for Runway 24 (the two runways meet at their overshoot ends). The pilot and passenger evacuated without injury.
Fire Crew Response
At the time of the accident, the primary fire crew were engaged in grass cutting and could not hear the crash alarm. The secondary crew, however, responded to the emergency on their own initiative. The airfield subsequently amended its procedures, making it mandatory for the duty crew always to be within aural range of the crash alarm.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot assessed the cause of the accident as degradation of the aircraft's performance due to the combination of a heavy passenger (210 lb) and the sticky surface conditions. A subsequent inspection of the engine revealed no evidence of any fault.
Investigation Information
This report is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The commander was a 78-year-old male holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 658 hours total flying experience, of which 200 hours were on type. His flying in the previous 90 days totalled 4 hours, and 3 hours in the last 28 days.