AAIB investigation to DH82A Tiger Moth, G-AXBW
Loss of control during takeoff, Wishanger Park, Frensham, Surrey, 17 April 2018.
Summary:
The pilot in command (PIC), flying in the front seat, was providing familiarisation training for a new syndicate member, who was in the rear seat. The wind was assessed to be approximately 12 kt at 25° from the left; within, but close to, the crosswind limit for the takeoff. The PIC was satisfied that the new syndicate member was a capable pilot and allowed him to have control for the takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne 5 kt below the normal ‘unstick’ speed. At this time, the PIC called “airspeed” and was about to take control when a gust lifted the left wing. The right wing stalled, causing the aircraft to descend and turn to the right from a height of approximately 10 ft. The aircraft struck a wooden fence running parallel to the grass runway and came to rest on its nose with a buckled landing gear (Figure 1).
The PIC considered that, although the new syndicate member showed good confidence in being able to cope with gusty conditions, he should have demonstrated a gusty crosswind takeoff before allowing the less experienced pilot to take off in such conditions.
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