Incident Overview
On 18 February 2007 at 0945 UTC, a Jabiru UL-D (registration G-SUTD) was being prepared for an instructional flight at Wickenby Aerodrome, Lincolnshire. The sole occupant, the pilot, had recently purchased the aircraft and was receiving instruction to gain experience on the type. He had completed two previous instructional sessions.
Pre-flight Actions
The pilot topped up the engine oil and pulled the aircraft out of the hangar. He then performed external checks before boarding. He did not recall whether he set the parking brake, but stated it probably was not set as he had just pushed the aircraft from the hangar. The brakes are actuated by a lever forward of the centrally mounted control column and can be locked using a ratchet mechanism.
Starting Attempts
Following the normal procedure, the pilot opened and closed the throttle, switched on the master switch, fuel pump, and both magnetos. Because it was the first start of the day, he applied full choke before pressing the starter button. The propeller turned but the engine did not start. He switched everything off and repeated the procedure without success.
Unexpected Acceleration
On the third attempt, the engine fired and ran up to speed so rapidly that it took the pilot by surprise. The aircraft quickly accelerated towards a Portakabin building in front. The pilot used the rudder pedals to turn left, away from the building, and the right wingtip clipped a corner of the Portakabin. However, the space he turned into was occupied by a weighbridge, which the aircraft struck before coming to rest on a sidewall.
Aftermath
The entire sequence from the engine start to impact covered approximately 25 to 30 metres and lasted only a few seconds. The aircraft sustained severe damage and was subsequently declared a total loss. The pilot reported no injuries. At the time, the pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence, was 52 years old, and had 73 hours total flying experience, of which 2.5 hours were on type. In the previous 90 days he had flown 3 hours, and in the previous 28 days, 2 hours. The aircraft had logged about six flying hours since new.
The pilot did not recall the position of the throttle when the engine started and could not explain why it appeared to have been at a high power setting. He believed a major factor in the accident was his inexperience both on type and flying generally.