What happened
On November 21, 1998, at 15:40, a Mudry Cap 10 B, registered F-GRRA, was involved in an incident during a solo aerobatic flight preparation at the Saint-Rambert-d’Albon aerodrome. The aircraft was parked on the paved apron, positioned into the wind, under CAVOK weather conditions with winds from 360° at 15 to 20 knots.
During the engine start procedure, the aircraft pitched forward abruptly, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The pilot immediately shut down the engine, allowing the tail of the aircraft to return to its normal position on the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the movement of the aircraft's controls during the start sequence. The pilot, who had 700 total flight hours, reported that he had attempted to secure the control stick in the aft position by wedging it between his legs at the start of the procedure. However, it was determined that the stick had gradually slipped forward during the process.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the insufficient securing of the control stick in the aft position.
- The forward movement of the stick allowed the aircraft to pitch forward during engine ignition, leading to the propeller strike.
- The impact resulted in damage to the tips of the propeller blades.