On takeoff from Cranfield Airport an aircraft loaded with five containers of de-icing fluid stalled and struck the ground

By Samantha Allen

Published: July 21, 2022 | 9:24 AM GMT

Shortly after takeoff, the DA 40 NG (G-CTSB) aircraft stopped and crashed to the ground from a height of roughly 100 to 200 feet.

The pilot was seriously hurt yet managed to survive.

Five canisters of de-icing fluid had been put onto the aircraft notwithstanding the approved training organization’s ban on the transportation of dangerous products and cargo.

The forward movement of the control stick was restricted by one container that was loaded in the front right footwell near the flying controls.

When it took off, the aircraft was almost at the aft centre of gravity and maximum weight limits.

This led to the accident, together with the restricted amount of control power at hand.

The examination also revealed that the accident might have been caused by certain features of the management of the approved training organisation.

The manufacturer most likely misclassified the de-icing fluid as a non-dangerous good and provided false safety information.

Regarding the usage of recording capabilities on digital flight instrument systems, one safety recommendation is provided.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.