What happened
On 15 February 2003, a Scheibe SF25E Super-Falke, registration G-KDFF, was performing a private flight at the Bowland Forest Gliding Club near Preston. During the takeoff roll on Runway 12, the aircraft's tailwheel became entangled with one of two winch cables that had been laid across the runway for glider launches.
Witnesses observed the aircraft bouncing along the grass surface and noted that it appeared to be struggling to gain speed. As the aircraft became airborne, the attached cable exerted a significant downward force on the tail. This tension caused the aircraft to pitch up, leading to a stall. The aircraft then entered a steep, spiralling descent, impacting the ground approximately 250 metres from the runway. The impact was non-survivable, and both crew members sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the runway surface, finding evidence of a wear groove on the tailwheel axle stud and an abrasion on the tyre sidewall, both consistent with heavy sliding engagement with a steel cable. The investigation established that the takeoff likely commenced further down the runway than usual, placing the aircraft's path over more undulating ground.
In this undulating section, portions of the winch cable were raised up to 10 cm above the surface, allowing the tailwheel to hook beneath the cable. The investigation also reviewed club procedures, noting that while the commander was authorized to approve takeoffs with cables present, the cables themselves were not easily visible when lying flat on the runway.
Findings
- The aircraft's tailwheel snagged a winch cable as it passed over undulating ground during the takeoff run.
- The attached cable created an increasing downward pull on the tail, which eventually caused the aircraft to stall.
- The tension on the tailwheel also induced a yawing motion that contributed to a steep, spiralling dive.
- The takeoff was initiated from a position that caused the aircraft to track over the cables.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the British Gliding Association issue guidance to member clubs to ensure that, when cables are laid near a runway, powered aircraft takeoffs only proceed when the pilot knows the exact cable positions and can maintain a takeoff run well clear of them.