Incident Overview
The aircraft departed Bristol under the command of the company's chief pilot for a flight to Edinburgh via East Midlands Airport. After conveying passengers to Edinburgh, it was scheduled to position empty at Newcastle Airport to collect passengers for Bristol. The captain decided to use the empty sector from Edinburgh to Newcastle to continue the other pilot's training for command of the HS-125. The trainee captain was flying from the left-hand seat.
Pre-Takeoff Briefing
Prior to takeoff, the trainee was briefed that a failure of one engine (unspecified which) would be simulated on takeoff, and the rudder bias system would be switched off. The pilots decided to use no flap for the takeoff, which commenced from the end of runway 13.
Takeoff and Simulation
The aircraft became airborne approximately 2,700 feet from the start of the roll, normal for its weight and configuration with both engines operating. The training captain called "rotate" at approximately 120 knots, slightly faster than calculated. When the aircraft reached about 12 feet and had accelerated to approximately 130 knots, he pulled back the thrust lever of the port engine to simulate a failure.
Incorrect Rudder Application
The training captain considered the trainee's reaction slow and was about to apply right rudder when the trainee applied considerable force to the left rudder and locked his leg. The captain immediately applied full right aileron and opened the port thrust lever, but could not prevent a high-rate roll to the left.
Ground Impact and Fire
Approximately 700 feet after becoming airborne, the port wing tip struck the runway, fracturing the port fuel tank and spilling fuel. The aircraft left the runway at an angle of about 30 degrees left, crossed grass, became partially inverted, and settled back sideways on its undercarriage. The sideways movement pulled off the nose gear; the aircraft then gyrated across the airfield, sustaining further structural damage before coming to rest on its main wheels and tail, facing approximately opposite to the takeoff direction. During the gyrations, fuel from the fractured port tank ignited, causing a flash fire. When the aircraft stopped, a small residual fire in the port wing was quickly extinguished by the airport fire service.
Probable Cause
The application of incorrect rudder following a simulated engine failure on take-off. The reason for this application of incorrect rudder has not been determined.