What happened
On 23 August 2005, a Microflight Spectrum, registration G-MWKW, was engaged in a training session at Sutton Meadows, Cambridgeshire. The flight involved an instructor and a student performing several circuits on a 480 m dry grass runway. The weather conditions were favorable, with good visibility and a light surface wind from 240º at 08 knots.
During the final takeoff attempt, the aircraft began to veer toward the right. The student pilot did not apply the necessary rudder corrections to counteract this movement. The instructor was unable to take control before the aircraft departed the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently crossed a drainage ditch, which caused significant impact damage, and eventually came to a stop in a nearby beet field. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft, rendering it beyond economic repair.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the pilot's actions during the takeoff roll. It was noted that the student pilot had significant experience in flex-wing aircraft but relatively limited experience in 3-axis aircraft, with approximately 40 hours of flight time in the latter type. The investigation established that the instructor had not needed to intervene during the preceding six to seven circuits of the session.