AAIB investigation to Rollason Druine D.31 Turbulent, G-ARGZ

Collided with the ground whilst practicing a limbo manoeuvre, Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster, Essex, 16 October 2021.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 February 2022

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 16 October 2021
• Aircraft type: Rollason Druine D.31 Turbulent
• Location: Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster, Essex
• Registration: G-ARGZ

Summary:

A display team were training some new pilots to fly a ‘limbo’ manoeuvre which involved the aircraft flying under a string of bunting suspended between two poles. As one of the new pilots flew the aircraft through the limbo gate the aircraft pitched nose-down and struck the ground with sufficient force to break the main spar. The wings folded upwards and the remains of the aircraft came to rest inverted on the grass. The pilot was taken to hospital having sustained serious injuries.

It is likely that the pilot thought he was slightly high as he approached the limbo gate and instinctively pitched down. The aircraft probably struck the ground before he had time to realise the effect of the pitch input.

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Rollason Druine D.31 Turbulent, G-ARGZ 02-22

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 10 February 2022