What happened
On 1 May 1999, a Reims Cessna FR1t2F, registration G-DRAM, was involved in an accident on the surface of Loch Diabagas Airde, near Loch Torridon, Scotland. The aircraft, operated for a private flight, was attempting a 180-degree turning take-off to the right. The intended procedure involved accelerating from west to east across the water, performing a right turn into the wind, and lifting the floats onto the 'step' before full departure.
The pilot initiated the run near the south shore of the loch, applying moderate power and takeoff flaps. While attempting to execute the turn using right rudder and right wing-down aileron, the pilot determined that the turning radius was too wide to maintain the planned flight path. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the take-off by reducing power. During the subsequent deceleration, the aircraft struck submerged rocks located along the north-west shoreline. The impact caused significant damage to the floats and distorted the underside skin of the fuselage, though the aircraft remained upright. The pilot was able to shut down the engine and exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the maneuver and the pilot's experience. The weather conditions at the time were favorable, with good visibility, no cloud, and a light easterly wind. Before the maneuver, the pilot had inspected the water surface and confirmed the area was clear of obstacles. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flying history, noting that while the pilot had 1,645 total flying hours, only 25 of those were on this specific aircraft type. The accident was not reported to the AAIB until January 2002.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the water handling characteristics of the Reims Cessna FR172F.
- The pilot had previous experience operating a PA 18 Cub floatplane, which possesses a tighter turning radius than the aircraft involved in the accident.