What happened
On 28 September 2013, a Mainair Blade 912S, registration G-CBVG, was performing a private flight at East Fortune Airfield in East Lothian. During the takeoff roll on the 300-metre tarmac section of Runway 11, a single sheep jumped an adjacent fence, followed by several others, and entered the aircraft's path.
As the pilot was approaching rotation speed, the sudden presence of the animals prompted an immediate decision to abort the takeoff. The pilot reduced power to idle and applied the brakes; however, the aircraft passed through the middle of the flock. Realising that the remaining runway length was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a complete stop, the pilot shut down the engine. The aircraft subsequently collided with a concrete roof truss that had been positioned across the end of the runway. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft without difficulty.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events leading to the collision and the environmental factors at the airfield. It was noted that while sheep were known to graze the airfield, they had not historically been a significant hazard to aircraft operations. Following the incident, the landowner implemented changes to livestock management, deciding to move sheep to enclosed areas and utilizing different livestock for the airfield grounds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the sudden intrusion of sheep onto the runway during the takeoff roll.
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was a direct response to the animals crossing the path of the aircraft.
- The aircraft's momentum and the limited runway length prevented a safe stop before impacting the concrete truss.