What happened
On 12 April 2012, a Gemini Flash IIA, registration G-MVSV, was being operated for a private flight in a field near Clackmannan, Scotland. The pilot, who was performing his first solo flight in the aircraft, had been assisted in the rigging process by an experienced pilot. After completing pre-flight checks, the pilot taxied the aircraft across a pasture field.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot applied high power, causing the aircraft to lift off and enter a very steep climb. During this ascent, the engine power was reduced, which caused the nose to drop rapidly. The aircraft then struck the ground in a steep, nose-down attitude. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation found that the aircraft had been out of official use for several years and had recently changed ownership without the necessary notifications to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Technical examination of the Gemini Flash IIA showed no evidence of a mechanical failure prior to the impact. While a safety cable within the front strut was found to be improperly connected, investigators determined this did not contribute to the accident. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's wing tip settings were at different incidence angles, though these adjustments were within the manufacturer's permitted limits.
Findings
- The pilot was attempting a solo flight without having completed formal flight training or holding a required medical declaration.
- The pilot likely used an incorrect takeoff technique, allowing the wing to remain at a high angle of attack.
- The rapid nose drop was likely caused by a stall, which may have been worsened by the reduction in engine power during the climb.
- The aircraft's impact in a nose-down attitude made recovery impossible.