Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Image: Front seat diagonal shoulder strap positioned as found at the accident site
During start up, the aircrafts engine suddenly went to a high rpm (revolutions per minute). The aircraft then accelerated over the ground and became airborne with the base bar attached to the front strut. It struck the ground in a field adjacent to the airfield and the pilot died from head injuries eight days later.
It was likely the pilot started the engine with the hand throttle open and did not free the base bar, reduce the rpm or stop the engine before the aircraft became airborne. The pilot might have survived if he had been wearing his shoulder (diagonal) harness and his helmet had been designed to protect him from rotational head injuries.
As a result of the investigation, four Safety Recommendations have been made. Two have been made to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to mandate the embodiment of a starter inhibitor switch on the hand throttle and to review the exception for a shoulder strap not to be worn. The other two are made to the British Standards Institute regarding the design of helmets used for airborne sports. Safety Actions have also been taken by the BMAA, Microlight Panel of Examiners and the pilots flying club.
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