Summary 02-2011

Microlight Accident and Incident Summary 02/2011
This accident report summary is collated by the BMAA from information
gathered. The information sources used are the Air Accident Investigation
Branch of the Department for Transport (AAIB), the Civil Aviation Authority
Mandatory Occurrence Reports (CAA MOR) and reports made directly to the
BMAA by members and operators.
The individual reports within the accident summary are taken from the
information available to the BMAA and where the BMAA has made comment
this is clearly shown.
The BMAA does not investigate accidents and incidents, this role being the
responsibility of the AAIB and the CAA who have the expertise, experience
and funding for investigation.
All pilots reading the reports should try to make their own assessment of
underlying causes and use the experience of others to enhance their own
knowledge to help them become safer pilots.
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
EW/C2010/03/03
Pegasus Quantum 15-912
Pilot’s licence: Microlight Instructor
Pilot injuries:
Severe
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: Severe
Flight
Take off
phase:
1,051
21-03-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Tuition
963
Destroyed
AAIB Report as published
After rotation, the flex-wing microlight entered a constant gradual right turn, which could not be
controlled by the pilot. Eventually the aircraft lost height, the right wingtip hit the ground and the
aircraft came to rest in a field. The investigation identified that the battens, received with the
wreckage, had been adjusted significantly more than the manufacturer’s published limits permitted.
For the full AAIB report please see below:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Pegasus%20Quantum%2015-912,%20G-BZMI%200111.pdf
BMAA Comment:
No comment
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: ATPL
Pilot injuries:
Minor
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/04/10
Mainair Blade 912
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Event date:
Flight
Take off
phase:
9800
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
10-04-10
Pleasure
20
Severe
AAIB Report as published
The accident flight occurred on the first flight of the day. The aircraft engine and pre-takeoff checks at
Caernarfon Airport were satisfactory. The aircraft was taxied out onto Runway 02 for a departure on
intersecting Runway 08. The engine temperatures and pressures were reported as normal during the rolling
takeoff and the engine power was reduced from 5,300 rpm to 4,800 rpm after becoming airborne to reduce
the pitch attitude. At approximately 200 ft in the climb the engine “coughed” twice and then stopped. The
pilot turned to the left as there were no landing options ahead of the aircraft and declared a MAYDAY. He
considered that all of his landing options were poor but he touched down successfully on a small grassed
area adjacent to the airfield. However, during the landing roll, the aircraft ran across a drainage ditch and
sustained damage to the front end pod, nose wheel and aircraft structure.
The pilot had become aware of debris in the fuel tank shortly after acquiring the aircraft earlier in the year.
However, he had been advised that the fuel filter would catch any debris until such time that a suitable
opportunity for cleaning the system arose. The aircraft had been successfully flown on the day prior to the
accident. Subsequent to the accident, debris was also found in the muslin fuel filter and in the fuel line before
the filter. The source of the debris was not identified but reported as a build-up rather than solid debris.
Other than the presence of debris in the fuel system, the pilot identified other factors associated with the
accident. The use of a rolling takeoff and a reduction in power after becoming airborne resulted in the
aircraft being at a lower altitude over the airport boundary which reduced the forced landing options. The
pilot noted that, for a takeoff from Runway 08, the number of reasonable options for a forced landing from
low altitude was very limited.
BMAA Comment:
Regular fuel filter inspection and cleaning (and replacement if necessary) is good practice. It is also best to
filter the fuel during the filling process whether it is being dispensed from a pump or can using a suitable
funnel or mesh.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2010
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/04/16
Mainair Blade 912
Pilot’s licence: NPPL
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: Moderate
Flight
Landing
phase:
110
17-04-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Tuition
106
Moderate
AAIB Report as published
The commander, who was not a qualified flying instructor, allowed a student pilot with 26 hours
total flying experience to operate the controls throughout the flight. The aircraft dropped from a
height of approximately 10 ft onto the runway while landing, resulting in serious injuries to the
student pilot.
For the full AAIB report please see below:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Pegasus%20XL-Q,%20G-MWLM%2003-11.pdf
BMAA Comment:
The final paragraph in the AAIB report reads: "Instructors undergo training not only to provide proper
guidance to students, but also to recognise problems and take corrective action before they develop too far.
A student flying with a pilot who is not a suitably qualified instructor might expect a level of oversight that an
accompanying pilot may not be able to provide, and the absence of appropriate intervention may result in
undesirable consequences."
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/06/07
QuikR
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: None
Flight
Landing
phase:
660
06-06-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Pleasure
46
Moderate
AAIB Report as published
The pilot had undertaken a local flight with a passenger and was returning to land at his departure
airfield. A straight in approach was flown from a distance of about 3 nm but as he approached the
threshold the pilot judged he was too high, so he closed the throttle. The aircraft then sank,
contacting the runway and bouncing. The pilot stated that he decided to go around and applied full
power, at which point the aircraft stalled. The right wing dropped, inducing a turn to the right and,
despite the efforts of the pilot to recover the aircraft attitude, it struck the ground again. The pilot
closed the throttle and the aircraft rolled to a stop in an area of crops alongside the runway. Neither
occupant was injured but the aircraft suffered damage to the base tube, front fork and right rear
wheel.
The pilot stated that he reacted with appropriate speed in applying power after the aircraft
bounced, but had not appreciated the high wing attitude and low airspeed, and did not attempt to
adjust these sufficiently early to prevent the stall.
BMAA Comment:
Sometimes it can be difficult to judge the correct descent rate from a straight in approach. It is usually easier
to judge from a circuit prior to setting up a landing. However good airspeed management using airspeed for
control and power for height should be in every pilot's skill set as should recovering from a bounce.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: Student
Pilot injuries:
Moderate
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/06/11
Pegasus XL-R
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Taxiing
phase:
40
12-06-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Unknown
15
Destroyed
AAIB Report as published
The aircraft owner, who was not yet qualified as a pilot, had intended to conduct un-tethered
ground runs at some playing fields following the completion of maintenance on the aircraft. During
these ground runs the aircraft inadvertently became airborne and collided with goalposts. The
owner sustained serious injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.
For the full AAIB report please click the link below:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Pegasus%20XL-R,%20G-MTOO%2012-10.pdf
BMAA Comment:
An essential part of becoming qualified as a pilot is undertaking training in the preparation and operation of
an aircraft before, during and after flight (NPPL syllabus - Exercises 1 & 2). Such instruction will include
practices for the safe starting and running of engines, actions to be taken in the case of a "runaway".
There have been many instances of runaway aircraft, some of which have led to severe injury. This period
of aircraft operation should not be treated casually.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Fixed wing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/06/25
X’Air Falcon 912(1)
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
Minor
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Landing
phase:
183
26-06-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Pleasure
121
Moderate
AAIB Report as published
In preparation for a landing at an unfamiliar field to support a fete, the pilot spoke with the event
organiser and walked only part of the field. The next morning the pilot arrived overhead at
approximately 0420 hrs and had a closer look at the field during two descending orbits. He failed to
notice a ditch running across his intended landing area at a distance of about three quarters of the
way along from his anticipated touchdown point. As reasons for this the pilot cited factors including
orbiting in a less than optimal location to avoid disturbing local inhabitants, difficult light conditions
and concentrating on ensuring no new obstacles, people or animals were in the landing area. He
rejected his first attempt to land due to excessive speed and made an immediate right turn to avoid
overflying habitation. His second attempt resulted in a successful touchdown but braking was
ineffective due to the wet grass and the bumpiness of the field. The pilot did not notice the ditch
running across his path until it was too late for a safe go-around. He tried to turn the aircraft using
rudder but it slid sideways at a slow speed into the ditch. The pilot shut the aircraft down and exited
unaided.
BMAA Comment:
This is a classic "chain of events" accident:
1. The pilot was unfamiliar with the site and only partially walked it in advance.
2. It is quite likely that the lighting at 0420 hrs was less than ideal which may account for the pilot not
seeing the ditch.
3. This was then compounded this by carrying out an orbit too far away in an effort to avoid disturbing
the neighbours.
He quite rightly rejected his first approach but had to make a sharp turn on takeoff, for noise purposes
again. Wet grass may well have been anticipated so early in the morning - harsh braking when he saw the
ditch late in the ground roll, not surprisingly ended with a skid. Putting yourself under pressure to be at a
certain place (particularly an unfamiliar one) at a certain time (particularly late or early in the day) and
having to consider noise constraints, is fraught with such danger. There was no in-flight emergency here so
the pilot always had the option to abandon the whole idea once these other factors became apparent.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/06/35
Quik GT-450
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Landing
phase:
224
26-06-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Pleasure
209
Moderate
AAIB Report as published
The pilot reported that, following a glide approach to Runway 09 at Perth, the microlight landed normally.
However, on touchdown the front forks of the nose landing gear collapsed, allowing the nosewheel to fold
rearwards. The aircraft continued to slide along the runway for approximately 20 metres before coming to
rest; the pilot then announced to Perth Radio that G-CDTO was unable to clear the runway, turned off the
electrical master switch and climbed out of the aircraft. The reported wind was 090º/12 kt.
Both the pilot, and an instructor/co-owner who observed the landing, considered the touchdown
normal. The owners have undertaken to send the front forks to the aircraft manufacturer, to
examine the fracture for evidence of pre-existing damage.
BMAA Comment:
No comment
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Fixed wing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/06/28
EV-97 Eurostar
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Landing
phase:
194
29-06-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Pleasure
63
Moderate
AAIB Report as published
Following a local flight the aircraft made an approach to the grass Runway 23 at Sywell. The wind was
reported as 10 kt from 270º. The pilot selected two stages of flap and trimmed for 65 mph, a slightly higher
speed than normal in order to allow for the crosswind. Once over the threshold he closed the throttle and
corrected the drift angle using the rudder. Touchdown was smooth and on the mainwheels; however the
aircraft bounced into the air again and subsequently landed on its nosewheel, causing damage to the
propeller, the landing gear leg and the bulkhead to which it was attached. The pilot stated that, on reflection,
the touchdown speed had been too high. He also noted that, following the initial bounce, he should either
have held the nose up so that the subsequent landing was on the mainwheels, or applied power and gone
around. Since the occurrence the pilot has undertaken additional instruction prior to flying solo again.
BMAA Comment:
This is another occasion when a quick decision to go around may have been a better option. There is
precious little time to react once the aircraft has bounced on landing. The chances of retrieving the situation
by holding the nose up are probably not as good as applying power, going round and starting again.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/07/19
Pegasus Quantum 912
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
Minor
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Event date:
Flight
Cruise
phase:
87
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
17-07-10
Pleasure
87
Severe
AAIB Report as published
While cruising at 2,100 feet on a cross-country flight the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a forced
landing but many of the surrounding fields contained either crops or livestock. The pilot selected a suitable
field but it resulted in a crosswind approach. The aircraft touched down uneventfully in the first third of the
field, but while slowly rolling to rest he felt the wind lift the right side of the wing. He tried to use all his
strength to lower the wing, but was unable to do so; the wind rolled the aircraft over onto its left side, causing
serious damage to the wing. Despite an extensive examination and engine ground runs, the cause of the
engine failure could not be determined.
BMAA Comment:
No comment
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Fixed wing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/07/20
Savannah VG Jabiru(1)
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: None
Event date:
Flight
Landing
phase:
425
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
17-07-10
Pleasure
7
Severe
AAIB Report as published
The pilot was flying an approach to grass Runway 24 at Stoke Airfield, Kent, an airfield with which he was
familiar. The weather conditions were good but the westerly wind was reported as being gusty. The
approach was flown at 50 kt with the intention of touching down a quarter of the way along the 530 m
runway. The pilot stated that, at a height of approximately 10 ft, “between round-out and flare, the aeroplane
stopped flying and hit the ground with a great thump.” The aircraft was extensively damaged, but the pilot
and his passenger were unhurt and vacated the aircraft normally. There was no fire. In a candid report, the
pilot considered that the accident was caused by his lack of experience on this type of aircraft.
BMAA Comment:
No comment to add to the pilot's own statement.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
Severe
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/07/21
Pegasus Quik
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Event date:
Flight
Landing
phase:
221
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
23-07-10
Pleasure
61
Severe
AAIB Report as published
During the climb out from Runway 30 at Ashcroft Airfield the pilot experienced a severe jolt through
the airframe. Believing the aircraft to have suffered damage, he conducted a short left hand circuit
to land back on grass Runway 31, which is 650 m in length. The aircraft touched down further
along the runway than the pilot intended so he applied full power to carry out a go-around. There
was insufficient distance remaining and, before it had gained enough speed to take off, the aircraft
struck a barbed wire fence and came to rest on its side in the field beyond. The airframe and wing
sustained serious damage and the pilot suffered a broken arm. However, there was no fire.
The pilot considered that the jolt may have been a bird strike that reduced the aircraft’s
performance. Although the damage to the aircraft and his injuries limited his subsequent inspection
of the airframe, he was surprised that the aircraft had not become airborne again before striking
the fence.
He concluded that he could have taken more time to plan his approach to Runway 31 as the
aircraft was still flying satisfactorily.
BMAA Comment:
It is difficult to know how you may react to a sudden emergency such as this but maintaining full control of
the aircraft and flying it accurately remains vital. As the pilot comments, the aircraft was still flying
satisfactorily so "rushing" the circuit at the expense of accuracy can all too easily lead to this type of
accident. Whilst it is easy to say, considering all options (with all due urgency) before committing to an
action will pay dividends.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/09/02
Hybred 44XLR
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Landing
phase:
85
01-09-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Pleasure
6
Destroyed
AAIB Report as published
The pilot had been flying circuits for approximately 30 minutes with no abnormal indications. Then,
following rotation and climb out to 200 ft agl, the engine stopped abruptly with the rpm dropping to
zero. The pilot landed in a field, but touched down fast at around 50 mph. The nosewheel dug into
the ground and the aircraft rolled over, causing extensive damage to the airframe but no injuries.
BMAA Comment:
It sometimes happens, however always be prepared for it so you have the best chance of making a
successful landing.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Fixed wing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/09/09
Thruster T600T 450 Jab
Pilot’s licence: PPL SEP
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: None
Event date:
Flight
Landing
phase:
264
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
04-09-10
Pleasure
15
Severe
AAIB Report as published
The pilot was on his second flight of the day from Old Hay Airfield, Kent. The weather conditions were good,
with a light easterly wind, and Runway 10 was in use. After a short flight in the local area, the aircraft
returned to the circuit. The pilot described his approach to the runway as normal but the aircraft bounced on
touchdown and began to porpoise. After the second bounce, he applied full power, in an attempt to climb
away, but the aircraft contacted the ground again and the right main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft
“somersaulted onto its roof” and came to a stop in the middle of the runway. The pilot and his passenger,
who were uninjured, were able to vacate the aircraft and walk away. The pilot considered that the accident
was the result of too high a flare and the aircraft stalling prior to the initial touchdown.
BMAA Comment:
Once again, following the initial bounce, an early decision to go around may well have avoided an accident.
Pilots should actively consider a go around on the approach so that they are mentally prepared to execute
one if it all goes wrong.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Fixed wing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/09/11
Savannah VG Jabiru(2)
Pilot’s licence: NPPL M
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Event date:
Flight
Take off
phase:
288
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
09-09-10
Pleasure
174
Severe
AAIB Report as published
The pilot reported that he applied excessive rudder to correct a swing as the aircraft approached lift
off speed. The right wingtip touched a hedge and the aircraft then ground looped into the boundary
fence.
BMAA Comment:
No comment
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
EW/G2010/09/13
Mainair Blade 912
Pilot’s licence: None
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Cruise
phase:
33
12-09-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
Pleasure
4
Destroyed
AAIB Report as published
G-MZOR
After a flight lasting over four hours, the engine stopped and the aircraft ditched. The engine was
probably starved of fuel.
For the full AAIB report please click below:
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Mainair%20Blade%20912,%20G-MZOR%200311.pdf
BMAA Comment:
No comment
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Flexwing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: None
Pilot injuries:
Severe
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/10/01
Pegasus XL-Q
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Event date:
Flight
Landing
phase:
22
Flight
purpose:
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
04-10-10
Pleasure
22
Severe
AAIB Report as published
The unlicensed pilot was seriously injured when the aircraft landed heavily in a crosswind. He had been
conducting full throttle taxi tests and allowed the aircraft to become airborne to avoid departing the edge of
the farm strip and entering a ploughed field.
At the time of the accident the pilot had completed a limited amount of flying training in a flex-wing microlight
but did not possess a pilot’s licence. His most recent instructional flight was in August 2000.
The pilot stated that he planned to conduct “full throttle” taxi tests to check that the engine was delivering
“smooth and full power” in preparation for renewal of the aircraft’s permit to fly. The airstrip at Park Farm has
one grass runway orientated approximately south-west to north-east and is surrounded by a ploughed field.
While rigging the aircraft he estimated the wind to be southerly to south-easterly at approximately 5 kt.
During the first run, which commenced at the beginning of the north-easterly runway, the pilot used “part
throttle” with the control bar fully back, inducing a nose-down input to avoid taking off. On the return run,
along the south-westerly runway, the pilot applied full power. Approximately halfway along the runway the
aircraft began to drift uncontrollably to the left edge of the strip beside the ploughed field. At a speed of
approximately 40-45 mph the pilot considered that the aircraft was travelling too quickly to correct the
situation and elected to push the control bar, in an attempt to take off and avoid entering the ploughed field.
The aircraft became airborne immediately. The pilot climbed the aircraft to “a safe altitude” and then
familiarised himself with the controls for about 10 min before starting an approach to land. By this time the
wind had increased to between 7 and 12 kt.
The pilot stated that he had “no problem with the approach” but that, in the landing flare, the aircraft yawed
left and landed heavily on its right wheel before coming to rest with extensive damage. The pilot, who had
suffered a broken arm, called emergency services on his mobile telephone and was later airlifted to hospital.
The pilot judged that the accident was caused by his “lack of experience in attempting to handle a flex-wing
microlight in what turned out to be significant and variable crosswind conditions”.
BMAA Comment:
An essential part of becoming qualified as a pilot is undertaking training in the preparation and operation of
an aircraft before, during and after flight (NPPL syllabus - Exercises 1 & 2). Such instruction will include
practices for the safe starting and running of engines, actions to be taken in the case of a "runaway".
There have been many instances of runaway aircraft, some of which have led to severe injury. This period
of aircraft operation should not be treated casually.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011
BMAA Flight Event Report
Event
type:
Accident
Report
Source:
AAIB
Report
reference:
Aircraft
type:
Fixed wing
Aircraft
model:
Pilot’s licence: NPPL PP
Pilot injuries:
None
Narrative report from:
EW/G2010/12/02
EV-97 Eurostar
PIC Total:
Passenger injuries: N/A
Flight
Ground
phase:
170
12-12-10
Event date:
Flight
purpose:
Pleasure
PIC on type:
Aircraft damage:
1
Moderate
AAIB Report as published
The pilot was using the checklist to start an aircraft, with which he was not familiar and that was parked
outside open hangar doors. When the checklist required the throttle to be fully closed the pilot moved it fully
forward, in the mistaken belief that this was the throttle closed position. At the appropriate point in the
checklist the pilot pressed the starter-button, the engine started and immediately went to full power. The
aircraft lurched forward, the pilot depressed the toe brakes and it turned sharply to the left. The pilot looked
for the magnetos, to switch off the engine, but before he could get to them the aircraft’s right wing struck one
of the hangar doors. The aircraft rotated around the door, the left wing struck another aircraft parked inside
the hangar and the engine stopped. The pilot, who was shaken but unhurt, switched off the magnetos and
battery and vacated the aircraft normally. There was no fire.
The pilot concluded that the accident resulted from his rush to start the engine in cold weather conditions. He
considered he should have taken more time to familiarise himself with the controls before he started the
engine.
BMAA Comment:
The pilot summarises the accident well, it is always important to take your time and complete checklists
fully.
BMAA Accident and Incident Report 2011