AAIB investigation to Reims Cessna F150M, G-BDZC

Loss of control on takeoff, Bourn Airfield, Cambridgeshire, 17 October 2016.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 14 September 2017

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 17 October 2016
• Aircraft type: Reims Cessna F150M,
• Location: Bourn Airfield, Cambridgeshire
• Registration: G-BDZC

Summary:

The aircraft was seen to take off with 40° flap set. It did not appear to climb and flew at low level above the runway. Approaching a line of trees beyond the end of the runway, the nose pitched up and the aircraft banked left. The left wing dropped and the aircraft descended in a steep nose-down attitude into the ground. The pilot was fatally injured but the passenger survived. The investigation concluded that the pilot had attempted to take off with the flaps unintentionally set to the fully deployed position. The excess drag in this condition prevented the aircraft from climbing.

Download report:

Reims Cessna F150M, G-BDZC 09-17

Download Safety Recommendation document:

Safety Recommendation Document: REims Cessna F150M, G-BDZC

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 14 September 2017