Runway excursion and engine fire during takeoff

No fatalities • Lydd, United Kingdom • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in structural damage and an engine fire, though all occupants escaped without injury.

What happened

During the initial takeoff phase, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the active runway. In an attempt to correct this deviation, the co-pilot applied steering inputs that caused the plane to swing sharply to the right. This maneuver resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway at a 20-degree angle, briefly becoming partially airborne.

As the crew attempted to navigate around a windsock mast located ahead of their path, the left wing made contact with the surface of intersecting runway 14. Following this impact, the plane returned to the ground and slid across the pavement until it reached a complete stop. The friction or mechanical stress during the excursion triggered an oil fire within the right engine.

Findings

  • The incident was driven by an overcorrection by the co-pilot following an initial leftward deviation.
  • All three occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.
  • While there were no human casualties, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to correct a leftward drift led to an overcorrection and subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-08-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Lydd, United Kingdom?

An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in structural damage and an engine fire, though all occupants escaped without injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-08-17 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-08-17 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration G-AMSM, operated by Skyways Cargo Airline, at Lydd, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to correct a leftward drift led to an overcorrection and subsequent runway excursion.

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