What happened
On 29 September 2007, a Rans S6-116 Coyote II, registration G-BVOI, was conducting a test flight at Adlingfield, near Goole, Yorkshire. The aircraft had recently undergone inspections for its Permit to Fly. Due to a lack of confidence in flying the aircraft solo, the pilot requested an experienced pilot to act as an observer during the flight.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the airspeed was only slightly above stalling speed and the angle of attack was high. As the aircraft reached approximately 50 feet of altitude, a gust of wind from the north lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to veer to the right. In an attempt to correct the wing position, the pilot lowered the left wing; however, this maneuver caused a further reduction in airspeed. The aircraft subsequently stalled at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.
After passing the runway end, the aircraft struck a drainage ditch in an adjacent field. This impact caused the left landing gear leg to separate. Despite the damage, the aircraft managed to touch down on a single wheel in the next field before the left wing made contact with the ground, causing the aircraft to slew to the left and come to a stop. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the flight and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft had been taxied to the full length of the runway to assess wind conditions, which were light and northerly. The pilot had decided to take off toward the east. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting he had 98 total flying hours, with 82 on this specific type.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a test flight following a Permit to Fly inspection.
- A north wind gust caused the left wing to lift and the aircraft to yaw right.
- The pilot's corrective action to lower the wing resulted in a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall.
- The aircraft struck a drainage ditch, leading to the separation of the left landing gear leg and damage to the propeller.