What happened
On 6 June 2004, a Rans S10 Sakota, registration G-BUAX, was conducting a private local tour near Peterlee, County Durham. The flight, carrying the pilot and one passenger, commenced from a grass runway under good weather conditions. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated normally until reaching approximately 60 mph. At this speed, the pilot experienced a sudden snagging or jamming sensation in the left main landing gear, which caused the aircraft to yaw sharply to the left.
In an attempt to manage the deviation, the pilot reduced throttle, but the aircraft continued to roll to the right. This motion resulted in the right wing making contact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently struck a grass bank located to the left of the runway, which caused the propeller to shatter and the engine to stop. The impact with the bank also led to the collapse of the right main landing gear. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowlings, propeller, landing gear, and right wing.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's landing gear and tyres following the accident. The Rans S10 features 11-inch diameter tyres with wheel spats that extend near the axle, leaving minimal ground clearance. The investigation established that the left mainwheel tyre had deflated. The pilot noted a slash or cut in the tyre that had not been present during the pre-flight inspection. It remained uncertain whether this tyre damage was the primary cause of the deceleration or a consequence of the accident itself.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden deceleration on the left side during the takeoff roll.
- The left mainwheel tyre had deflated, and a cut was identified in the rubber.
- The design of the wheel spats on this aircraft model provides very little clearance, meaning any contact with the ground or ruts can cause significant drag.