SYNOPSIS

The pilot was operating his Starduster TOO, a two-seat aerobatic biplane, from Eglinton Airport, Derry. He flew the aircraft from the back seat while his passenger occupied the front seat. The purpose of the flight was to carry out some aerobatic training with specific emphasis on “rolls”, in the east Donegal area of Lough Foyle. The first manoeuvre, a practice stall, was carried out successfully, and this was followed by a climb to regain lost height which was perhaps “too vertical”, as the aircraft approached the stall. The pilot applied left rudder and left stick to exit this situation, not unlike a stall turn manoeuvre, he thought.

In this manoeuvre the aircraft inadvertently entered a spin, and recovery was effected only after serious height loss when the aircraft struck domestic electricity wires. The pilot cut short his flight and returned to Eglinton where he landed without further incident.

The Report makes no Safety Recommendation.