What happened
On 26 June 2005, a MCR-01 ULC Banbi, registration G-NONE, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Bolt Head Airfield near Salcombe, Devon. The flight, a private operation carrying one pilot and one passenger, had departed from an airfield near Exeter approximately 40 minutes earlier.
As the aircraft accelerated down the grass runway, it began to veer toward the left, weathercocking into the wind. The pilot applied full right rudder in an attempt to maintain directional control; however, the left wingtip struck the tall barley crops situated at the edge of the runway. This impact caused the aircraft to swing approximately 100 degrees to the left, eventually coming to a halt just off the runway with the engine stalled. During the sudden deceleration, the right main landing gear collapsed and the nose gear became bent. The impact also caused damage to the right-hand flap and other minor structural damage. Both occupants vacated the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's handling and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot noted that the approach to the airfield had been bumpy due to windy conditions, and he had estimated the wind at the airfield to be from the north-east at 10 to 20 knots based on the windsock.
Investigators reviewed meteorological data from nearby Exeter and Plymouth airports, which indicated variable wind directions during the period. The pilot also assessed the aircraft's mechanical state, noting that the aircraft felt light on its nosewheel. This weight distribution may have caused the nosewheel steering to remain locked in the straight-ahead position, hindering the pilot's ability to correct the deviation.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a significant leftward deviation during the takeoff roll due to weathercocking into the wind.
- The pilot's ability to maintain directional control was likely hindered by the aircraft being light on its nosewheel, which may have prevented effective use of the nosewheel steering.
- The collision with the crops at the runway edge caused the rapid rotation and subsequent landing gear failure.