What happened
On 18 February 2001, a Vans RV-6A, registration G-BZHM, departed from a grass airstrip at Bagber Farm, Milborne St Andrew, Dorset, for a private flight. The aircraft had been on the ground for approximately 20 minutes following a previous flight of just over one hour. The takeoff was performed from a damp surface on a strip measuring roughly 550 metres in length.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft appeared to accelerate normally and achieved lift-off after traversing about 150 metres. Following liftoff, the aircraft initiated a right-hand turn. While the initial part of the maneuver appeared smooth, the turn became increasingly sharp, causing the nose of the aircraft to pitch downward. The right wingtip subsequently made contact with the ground, leading the aircraft to cartwheel and come to rest in an inverted position.
Both occupants of the aircraft sustained serious injuries. Although the crew were wearing four-point upper torso restraints, they were both rendered unconscious by the impact and had no memory of the flight sequence.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and an eyewitness account from a local farmer. The witness, who was inside a vehicle at the time, observed the aircraft's flight path and the subsequent impact. The witness arrived at the wreckage shortly after the accident, where they provided first aid to the occupants, including placing the passenger in the recovery position and assisting the pilot in extricating himself from the wreckage.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating from a damp grass strip.
- The flight path transitioned from a smooth right turn into an acute, descending turn.
- The impact was characterized by the right wingtip striking the ground, resulting in the aircraft flipping.
- The propeller sustained minimal damage, leading the pilot to suggest the engine may have been at low power or had stopped at the moment of impact.