What happened
On 14 June 2008, a Pioneer 200 Alpi, registration G-CEVJ, was conducting a private flight near Wells, Somerset. The flight, which included one pilot and one passenger, had departed from Franklyns Field to perform engine cooling performance tests via two circuits.
During the final approach to the grass airstrip, the pilot encountered a physical restriction in the movement of the control stick. In an effort to clear the obstruction, the pilot applied significant back pressure to the stick. This action caused the stick to suddenly release, which immediately applied a full-aft control input. Consequently, the aircraft pitched up excessively and entered a stall at an altitude of approximately 10 feet. The impact resulted in no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine bearer, firewall, and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation established that the source of the control interference was a kneeboard strapped to the pilot's left thigh. During the flight, the kneeboard had shifted position, physically blocking the movement of the control stick. The pilot identified this shift as the cause of the restriction during the landing phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the obstruction of the control stick by a kneeboard that had slipped from its original position.
- The sudden release of the stick after the pilot attempted to clear the obstruction led to the unintended full-aft input and subsequent stall.