AAIB investigation to Zenair CH 601 XL (P) Zodiac, 54-ASJ

Crashed after takeoff, near Sandown Airport, Isle of Wight, 22 August 2015.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 11 May 2017

• Category: Sport aviation and balloons
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 22 August 2015
• Aircraft type: Zenair CH 601 XL (P) Zodiac
• Location: Near Sandown Airport, Isle of Wight
• Registration: 54-ASJ

Summary:

The pilot took off from Sandown Airport and the aircraft immediately started an unintended turn to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right aileron in an effort to counter the turn, but the inputs appeared ineffective. A shallow climbing left turn continued until the aircraft stalled and entered an incipient spin to the left. The aircraft crashed into a grass field and caught fire but the pilot survived, sustaining serious injuries.

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Zenair CH 601 XL (P) Zodiac, 54-ASJ 05-17

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Published 11 May 2017