What happened
On 20 October 1999, a Reims Cessna FRA150M, registration G-BCTU, was involved in an accident during a private flight near Aberystwyth. The aircraft was operating from a private landing strip located on Clarach Road, near Bow Street. The strip, which had recently been harrowed and sown, presented a firm but soil-based surface, differing from the grass surface the pilot had previously used at this location.
After completing two successful flights earlier that morning, the pilot attempted a third departure. Following engine performance checks, the pilot initiated the take-off roll. While the aircraft reached the 50 kt decision speed, it failed to accelerate beyond that point. To avoid hitting the boundary fence at the end of the strip, the pilot attempted to lift the aircraft at a low airspeed. As the aircraft became airborne in a nose-high attitude, the left wing struck a bush on the field boundary. This impact caused the aircraft to yaw left and lose further speed, resulting in a stall into a group of young trees located near a warehouse. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the no injuries incident without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report, conducted telephone enquiries, and analyzed video footage recorded by a local resident. The footage confirmed that the engine was at full throttle during the roll but showed the left wing dropping and striking vegetation. The investigation also noted that the landing strip was surrounded by hills and trees, which created gusty and variable wind conditions. The surface wind was recorded as being from the east at up to 20 kt, but subject to funnelling effects.
Findings
- The aircraft's failure to accelerate was likely influenced by fluctuating wind conditions and the fact that the flaps had been retracted for the departure.
- The pilot's decision to attempt a take-off at a low airspeed, rather than aborting, led to the wing strike and subsequent stall.