The aircraft, a Grumman AA-5 (G-BBSA) suffered a partial loss of engine power very shortly after takeoff from Runway 23 at Teesside International Airport. The pilot, believing the aircraft was outside the airport boundary, attempted a turnback to the airport to land. The aircraft stalled during the turn and struck the ground west of the runway near the Runway 05 threshold. The three occupants all sustained serious injuries.
Management of a partial power loss event is not covered in the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) syllabus and there is limited information provided for pilots conducting renewal or revalidation of licences. Three Safety Recommendations are made to address these topics.
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