What happened
On 6 May 2008, a student pilot was conducting her first solo flight in a Grob G115D at Dundee Airport. Following two successful training circuits earlier that day, the instructor determined the student was prepared for solo operations. After completing the necessary pre-takeoff checks, the pilot back-tracked and lined up on Runway 10.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a developing left yaw. Despite the pilot applying right rudder, the directional deviation could not be corrected. The aircraft drifted off the asphalt runway onto the grass verge. Before the pilot could bring the aircraft to a halt, the Grob G115D, registration G-BVHF, struck a perimeter fence. The pilot sustained no injuries during the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control. The investigation established that the aircraft's nosewheel was not centered following the lining-up maneuver. This misalignment created a mechanical tendency for the aircraft to yaw to the left under power. Additionally, the wind conditions, reported as 070/12 kt, contributed to the leftward pull as the aircraft accelerated down the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the uncentered nosewheel following the lining-up procedure.
- The wind direction further exacerbated the leftward yaw during the takeoff roll.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, spinner, and the leading edge of the port wing.