What happened
On 14 November 2005, a Pierre Robin DR400/140B Major, registration G-BFJZ, was engaged in training maneuvers at Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot with 12 hours of total flying experience. Following a morning session of circuit training and solo 'touch and go' landings, the student returned to the airfield in the afternoon for further instruction, including circuit training and upper air work.
During the afternoon session, while performing a rolling takeoff, the student applied excessive pressure to the right rudder pedal in an attempt to maintain directional control. This caused the aircraft to veer toward the right. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the student applied left rudder but overcompensated, causing the aircraft to swing toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft crossed the left edge of the runway and its left wheel struck a runway marker. The student closed the throttle and applied the brakes, but the aircraft continued to track left until the left wing struck a timber fence running parallel to the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to spin 180 degrees before coming to a halt. The student shut down the engine and exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of maneuvers and the pilot's inputs during the takeoff roll. The investigation established that the student pilot had been practicing various emergency procedures and maintaining directional control during the takeoff phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the over-use of the rudder pedals by the student pilot.
- The pilot's attempt to correct an initial rightward veer resulted in an excessive leftward correction, leading the aircraft off the runway surface.