AAIB investigation to Socata TB-20 Trinidad, N33NW

Collision with trees during takeoff, Langham Airfield, Norfolk, 10 October 2023

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 13 February 2025

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 10 October 2023
• Aircraft type: Socata TB-20 Trinidad
• Location: Langham Airfield, Norfolk
• Registration: N33NW

Shortly after taking off from an unlicensed airstrip, the aircraft drifted to the left, struck trees along the side of the runway and decended before striking the ground. A combination of turbulent air from the trees and a tailstrike is likely to have contributed towards the accident. The occupants were all seriously injured.

The position of the trees, in relation to the runway, was less than that recommended for unlicensed aerodromes in CAA Civil Aviation Publication (CAP) 793 ‘Safe Operating Practices at Unlicensed Aerodromes.’

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Socata TB-20 Trinidad, N33NW 02-25

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Published 13 February 2025