What happened
On 16 February 2002, a Tri-Q 200 Quickie, registration G-BUBC, was performing a private flight departing from Sturgate Aerodrome in Lincolnshire. During the takeoff roll on Runway 27, the aircraft accelerated under full power. As the speed reached between 70 and 80 mph, the aircraft experienced an unexpected pitch-up and a drop of the right wing. The tip of the right canard made contact with the runway surface.
Following this, the aircraft entered a rapid nose-high attitude. Although the pilot managed to recover from the right bank, the aircraft continued to fly with unstable wing rocking. Due to the irregular handling characteristics, the pilot lowered the nose, but the aircraft subsequently descended into a field of winter corn located beyond the airfield perimeter. The engine was throttled back just before the impact. The aircraft struck the ground on its main wheels and then the nose wheel, causing the nose gear to collapse and the fuselage to somersault. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were able to exit through the canopy.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was clear with 4,000 metres of visibility in haze, and the asphalt runway was dry. While the pilot typically operated with neutral elevator and aileron reflexor trims, the aileron reflexor trim was discovered in a fully aft position following the accident, though it was unclear if this occurred during the flight or upon impact.
Investigators also considered the aircraft's weight and balance. The presence of a passenger shifted the center of gravity to the right, which may have contributed to the wing drop. Furthermore, recent flight testing had noted a 'pitch bucking' phenomenon at speeds around 68 mph under similar weight conditions. The investigation also confirmed that the engine was delivering full power up until the moment the throttle was closed.
Findings
- The aircraft rotated at a lower speed than the pilot's usual takeoff speed of 85 mph.
- The aileron reflexor trim was found in the fully aft position, which could have altered lift distribution and induced a pitch-up tendency.
- The addition of a passenger likely shifted the center of gravity to the right, contributing to the right wing drop.
- The aircraft may have been operating near a speed where 'pitch bucking' instability was known to occur.