What happened
On 2 August 2009, an Isaacs Fury II, registration G-BBVO, was involved in an accident during a private flight at Battle Flats Airfield in Ellistown, Leicestershire. As the aircraft was performing a takeoff roll, it moved through a standing crop of corn located approximately 2 feet from the takeoff area. During this process, the pilot's goggles became dislodged from their position.
The dislodged goggles rotated around the nose of the aircraft and settled in an inverted position, which effectively obscured the pilot's field of vision. Consequently, the aircraft veered to the right. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, rendering it beyond economical repair. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the event.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances of the takeoff roll and the physical state of the cockpit equipment. The investigation established that the aircraft's path through the crop was a contributing factor in the dislodgment of the pilot's protective eyewear, which subsequently led to the loss of visual reference.