Flight Design CTSW, G-CTSW, 1 May 2011

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: Sport aviation and balloons
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 1 May 2011
• Aircraft type: Flight Design CTSW
• Location: Private airstrip, Killeter, Northern Ireland
• Registration: G-CTSW

Flight Design CTSW, G-CTSW

Summary:

The pilot had operated the aircraft from the private airstrip over the preceding two days without incident. The wind conditions on the day of the accident were similar to those of the previous day and the same runway was being used. The runway surface was grass, approximately four inches long, and damp from overnight dew. The pilot applied full power for the takeoff. After lift off, which was slightly further down the strip than on the previous days, the aircraft was reluctant to climb and the engine seemed low on power. At this point the pilot was committed to continuing with the takeoff, but the aircraft was unable to clear the boundary hedge at the end of the runway. Its main landing gear struck the hedge and the aircraft turned over, coming to rest inverted in the field beyond. The pilot was uninjured and able to vacate the aircraft unaided via the left door.

Download report:

Flight Design CTSW, G-CTSW 08-11.pdf (222.65 kb)

Published 10 December 2014