Accident Details
On 18 February 2001 at 1400 UTC, a Vans RV-6A, registration G-BZHM, crashed while taking off from a grass strip at Bagber Farm near Milborne St Andrew, Dorset. The aircraft, fitted with a Lycoming O-320-E2A piston engine and manufactured in 2000, was on a private flight with two crew members and no passengers. The pilot, aged 48, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 243 total flying hours, including 91 hours on the RV-6A. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he had logged 4 hours, with only 1 hour in the last 28 days. Both occupants sustained serious injuries and had no recall of the flight. The aircraft was written off due to damage beyond economic repair.
Takeoff and Accident Sequence
Before the accident flight, the aircraft had flown for just over an hour and had been on the ground for approximately 20 minutes. It then took off from the grass strip, designated 22, which was about 550 metres long with a damp surface. According to a witness, the farmer, the weather was fine with hazy sunshine and little or no wind. The aircraft accelerated normally and became airborne after about 150 metres. It then turned right; initially the turn was smooth but it developed into a more acute turn, giving the impression that the nose was pointing to the ground. The right wing tip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel before coming to rest inverted. The witness could not comment on the engine sound due to being in a vehicle with windows closed and the radio on.
Aftermath and Emergency Response
The witness immediately ran to the scene and found both occupants unconscious and obviously seriously injured. He went to the farmhouse to telephone the emergency services. Upon returning, he saw that the pilot had regained consciousness. The witness cut the pilot's harness to make him more comfortable, then dragged the passenger clear of the wreckage and placed her in the recovery position. He treated the pilot's head wound and helped him get free from the wreckage. He also switched off the aircraft's electrical system. The air ambulance arrived at about that time. The pilot later expressed a belief that the engine may have stopped or been at low power on impact, as there was very little damage to the propeller.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair. No other property was reported damaged.