What happened
On 10 January 2009, a Taylor Monoplane, registration G-BDNO, was involved in an accident at Bodmin Airfield, Cornwall, during a private flight operation. The pilot, who had recently acquired the aircraft, intended to perform high-speed taxi runs to familiarise themselves with the handling characteristics of the taildragger configuration. The pilot's previous flying experience was limited to nosewheel aircraft.
Following a successful initial taxi run, the pilot lined up on Runway 13 for a second attempt. With the control stick held in the full back position and the throttle set to halfway, the aircraft began its run. During this second attempt, the aircraft lifted off the ground approximately 20 degrees off the runway heading and reached a near-vertical attitude. At an altitude of roughly 30 feet, the aircraft stalled and the left wing struck the ground. The subsequent impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel, resulting in the engine and cowlings detaching from the airframe. The pilot sustained minor injuries and required extrication from the cockpit by rescue services.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's recent flying history and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. It was noted that the pilot had very limited experience on this specific type, with only approximately one hour of flight time on the aircraft. While a friend with taildragger experience was present at the airfield, they could not accompany the pilot during the taxi runs due to the single-seat nature of the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot lacked experience in operating taildragger aircraft, having previously flown only conventional nosewheel aircraft.
- Wind gusts may have contributed to the aircraft becoming airborne during the second taxi run.
- The pilot's use of full back elevator input during the high-speed taxi run likely facilitated the unplanned takeoff.
- There was no fire following the engine detachment, despite the potential risk of fuel leaks.