What happened
On 8 April 2001, a TRI-R KIS, registration G-BXJI, was performing a private takeoff from Runway 26 at Cumbernauld Airport, Scotland. The weather conditions at the time were favorable, with a surface wind reported at 240 degrees at 8 knots.
As the pilot applied full power, the tailwheel was raised. During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced a leftward swing. While the pilot attempted to correct this movement, a secondary left swing developed and could not be fully compensated for. Realizing the aircraft was departing the paved surface, the pilot reduced power by closing the throttle. As the aircraft transitioned onto the adjacent wet grass, the landing gear sheared, and the propeller made contact with the ground.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the takeoff roll and the environmental conditions of the airfield at the time of the incident.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating under good weather conditions.
- The aircraft experienced a persistent leftward swing during the takeoff roll.
- The transition from the runway to the wet grass surface caused the landing gear to shear off.
- The impact with the ground resulted in damage to both the landing gear and the propeller.