Stall and ground impact involving Rans S6-ESD Coyote II at Chilbolton

Casualties unknown • Chilbolton Flying Club, Hants, GB

A Rans S6-ESD Coyote II experienced a stall and struck the ground during takeoff from a grass runway in Hampshire, resulting in extensive aircraft damage but no injuries.

What happened

On 10 May 2008, a Rans S6-ESD Coyote II, registration G-MYBA, was engaged in a private flight from Chilbolton Flying Club in Hampshire. The aircraft was carrying two occupants and was operating near its maximum takeoff weight of 430 kg, weighing approximately 400 kg at the time of departure.

During the takeoff roll on Runway 24, the pilot noted that while engine RPM remained normal, the aircraft's acceleration was slower than anticipated. The aircraft became airborne but failed to gain significant altitude, reaching only 30 ft at a speed of 50 mph. Shortly after reaching the upwind end of the runway, the aircraft entered a stall and struck the ground in a level attitude. The impact caused extensive damage, including a shattered propeller, a broken landing gear, and damage to the engine and cowlings. Despite the severity of the damage, both occupants escaped without injury.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation examined the environmental conditions and the runway surface at the time of the accident. The temperature was recorded at +28°C, and there was a light north to north-easterly wind providing a slight tailwind component. The runway, a grass strip, featured an uphill slope and varying grass lengths; while the eastern end was approximately 80 mm high, the western end had much longer grass reaching up to 230 mm.

Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's performance capabilities. While the manufacturer provided no specific performance data, an experienced pilot of the same type estimated a typical ground roll of approximately 400 m under similar conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's climb rate following the takeoff was lower than that of similar aircraft.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating at a weight close to its maximum allowable takeoff limit.
  • Environmental factors, including high temperature, a slight tailwind, and an uphill slope, increased the required takeoff distance.
  • The presence of long grass on the runway contributed to increased drag and hindered acceleration.
  • The aircraft reached its stalling speed of 50 mph shortly after becoming airborne, leading to the loss of altitude and subsequent ground impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled and struck the ground due to a combination of high ambient temperature, a tailwind, an uphill runway slope, and long grass, all of which hindered the aircraft's ability to accelerate and climb effectively.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-05-10 Rans S6-ESD Coyote II accident near Chilbolton Flying Club, Hants, GB?

A Rans S6-ESD Coyote II experienced a stall and struck the ground during takeoff from a grass runway in Hampshire, resulting in extensive aircraft damage but no injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-05-10 involved a Rans S6-ESD Coyote II, registration G-MYBA, at Chilbolton Flying Club, Hants, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled and struck the ground due to a combination of high ambient temperature, a tailwind, an uphill runway slope, and long grass, all of which hindered the aircraft's ability to accelerate and climb effectively.

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