What happened
On 15 July 2007, a Thruster T600N aircraft, registration G-REDZ, was conducting a private flight in Redlands, Wiltshire. Following an initial period of uneventful local flying, the pilot decided to perform a practice engine failure after takeoff (EFATO). The plan involved utilizing the full length of the 650-metre Runway 06 to complete the maneuver before returning to the airfield.
During the procedure, once the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot closed the throttle to simulate the engine failure. Following this action, the aircraft entered a steep nose-down attitude. The pilot attempted to mitigate the descent rate by pulling back on the control stick; however, the elevator provided very little response. Consequently, the aircraft struck the ground and came to rest in an inverted position. Although fuel was observed leaking from the fuel cap, no fire occurred. Both the pilot and the passenger, who were secured with four-point harnesses, sustained minor injuries consisting of grazes to their shins.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's behavior following the reduction of power. It was established that while the pilot had performed this specific maneuver on several previous occasions, this was the first time it had been conducted with a passenger on board. The investigation examined the flight controls and the aircraft's response to the pilot's input during the descent.