What happened
On 25 March 2005, a Rans S6-ES, registration G-CBAZ, was performing a private flight from Kinderton Lodge Farm, an unlicensed grass airfield in Middlewich, Cheshire. Prior to the accident, the aircraft had been grounded for several months. The pilot conducted an engine ground run and two high-speed taxi tests, reaching maximum engine speed without issue.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 12, the pilot utilized 30 degrees of flap, a configuration in which he lacked significant experience, due to the lack of a notable headwind. After becoming airborne, the aircraft briefly touched the ground before attempting a climb. Shortly after, the left wing dropped; although the pilot corrected this, the right wing subsequently dropped. The left wing then dropped again, causing the aircraft to enter a dive. The aircraft impacted the ground after turning approximately 220 degrees from the original runway heading, resulting in extensive damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained a sprained ankle.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance and the environmental conditions at the airfield. The surface at the farm was reported as soft and wet, though it had been used successfully by other aircraft earlier that day. Investigators reviewed the engine performance during the pre-takeoff ground runs, which appeared normal, and assessed the pilot's recent flying currency and experience with the aircraft's flap settings.
Findings
- The engine was not considered a significant factor as ground runs showed normal operation.
- The aircraft's behavior indicated it had entered a stall due to insufficient airspeed.
- Contributing factors to the low airspeed included the pilot's lack of experience using flaps for takeoff in near-still conditions.
- The pilot's low level of recent flying currency may have contributed to the loss of control.
- The soft and wet condition of the airfield surface likely resulted in lower than normal acceleration during the takeoff roll.