What happened
On 17 August 2005, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-TIGA, was performing visual circuit training at Nottingham Airport. The pilot was utilizing the central grass portion of the airfield, an area specifically designated for use by light aircraft such as the Tiger Moth, for both takeoff and landing operations on Runway 21.
After successfully completing an initial touch-and-go landing, the pilot commenced a second approach. During this second attempt, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the grass strip. As the pilot applied power for the takeoff, the aircraft struck a runway marker board located at the edge of the grass area. The impact caused damage to the underside of the starboard wing and the undercarriage strut. The pilot immediately closed the throttle and managed to land the aircraft on a grass area straight ahead, subsequently taxiing to the hangar to shut down the engine.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was reported as good, though a southerly surface wind was present. The investigation focused on the pilot's visibility and the aircraft's movement during the takeoff roll. It was noted that the pilot's forward visibility was temporarily restricted because his attention was initially directed to the left. As the tail of the aircraft rose during the transition to the takeoff phase, the pilot shifted his gaze to the right, at which point he realized the proximity of the marker board.
Findings
- The pilot's vision was momentarily obscured by the aircraft's configuration during the climb.
- A southerly surface wind caused the aircraft to drift toward the right edge of the prepared grass area.
- The aircraft struck the marker board due to the lateral drift and the pilot's delayed awareness of the obstacle.