Aircraft and Flight Information
The accident involved a Vans RV-6, registration G-BZUY, manufactured in 2001. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D1A piston engine. The flight was private, with one pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 64 years old, with a total flying experience of 376 hours, of which 60 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 25 hours, and 20 hours in the last 28 days.
Circumstances
The flight took place on 28 June 2003 at 1145 hrs UTC at Franklyn's Field, near Wells, Somerset. The pilot had planned a local flight in CAVOK conditions with a light and variable surface wind. Runway 23 was in use, approximately 15 metres wide and edged with cereal crop about 60 cm tall. The grass surface was dry and bumpy.
During the take-off run, the aircraft hit a series of bumps, became airborne at a low speed, and drifted to the left. The left wing tip ran into the cereal crop, causing the aircraft to yaw to the left and come to rest inverted. Both occupants sustained minor injuries. The pilot believes that the windscreen rollover bar prevented further injuries. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to the fuselage, canopy, engine, and propeller.
Injuries and Damage
- Crew: one minor injury
- Passengers: one minor injury
- Damage: substantial damage to fuselage, canopy, engine, and propeller