AAIB investigation to Cessna FRA150L, Aerobat, G-CIIR

Loss of control after takeoff, Troutbeck Airfield, Cumbria, 11 October 2020.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 18 November 2021

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 11 October 2020
• Aircraft type: Cessna FRA150L, Aerobat
• Location: Troutbeck Airfield, Cumbria
• Registration: G-CIIR

Summary:

G-CIIR landed at Troutbeck Airfield with its pilot and a passenger without the required permission. As the conditions on the day meant the aircraft’s takeoff performance from Troutbeck would be marginal, the airfield owner instructed the pilot to depart solo in order to improve the aircraft’s performance by reducing its takeoff weight. On the subsequent takeoff the aircraft was seen to depart controlled flight seconds after getting airborne and strike the ground. The pilot was fatally injured.

The investigation identified a number of shortcomings with the preparation for the flight that contributed to the accident.

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Cessna FRA150L, Aerobat, G-CIIR

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 18 November 2021