Pitts S-1C Capsizes During Take-off at Tatenhill Airfield

Casualties unknown • Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire, GB

A Pitts S-1C aircraft overturned during a take-off roll on a grass runway at Tatenhill Airfield, resulting in no injuries to the pilot.

What happened

On 15 March 1999, a Pitts S-1C, registration G-BRCI, was involved in an accident during a private flight at Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire. The aircraft had recently been purchased, and the pilot intended to perform several circuits to familiarise himself with the new type. Earlier that day, the previous owner had demonstrated a landing on the grass runway, specifically suggesting that the pilot use the grass strip rather than the hard runway to assist with handling, while also noting that the grass surface was quite wet.

During the take-off roll on Runway 20, the aircraft initially accelerated normally. However, upon reaching a speed of approximately 40 kt, the aircraft encountered a section of the runway that was particularly soft and saturated. As the aircraft passed over some existing wheel tracks in the grass, it lost stability and tipped forward. The aircraft struck the propeller against the ground and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, exited the aircraft without assistance and sustained no injuries.

The investigation

The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the condition of the airfield and the specific circumstances of the take-off. It was noted that the grass runway had not been utilized during the preceding winter season due to its high moisture content. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the commander held a Commercial Pilot's Licence and had 3,500 total flying hours, he had no prior experience on this specific aircraft type.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the unsuitable condition of the runway surface, which contained a very soft and wet area.
  • The aircraft encountered crossing wheel tracks in the grass, which contributed to the forward tipping motion.
  • The engine suffered a shock load and the propeller and tailplane assembly sustained damage during the impact.
  • The grass runway had been subject to heavy moisture as it had remained unused throughout the winter.

Probable cause

The aircraft overturned because it encountered an excessively soft and wet section of the grass runway during the take-off roll, which caused the aircraft to tip forward onto its propeller.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-03-15 PITTS S-1C accident near Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire, GB?

A Pitts S-1C aircraft overturned during a take-off roll on a grass runway at Tatenhill Airfield, resulting in no injuries to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-03-15 involved a PITTS S-1C, registration G-BRCI, at Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overturned because it encountered an excessively soft and wet section of the grass runway during the take-off roll, which caused the aircraft to tip forward onto its propeller.

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