Pilot Aborted Takeoff, Impacted Parked Plane

A De Havilland Turbo Beaver aborted a takeoff at Headcorn Aerodrome in the UK Sunday before impacting a parked aircraft, injuring the pilot and skydivers onboard.

BBC News reports the plane (similar to type shown above) was carrying eight skydivers. First responders with the Kent Ambulance Service said the pilot suffered severe head injuries, and one male skydiver went to the hospital with chest injuries. A female passenger was also later taken to a hospital following an asthma attack. The rest have reported minor injuries.

The pilot, reported to be a man in his 20s, was extricated from the cockpit by rescue crews then flown by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital. Two of the skydivers were taken by ground ambulance to Maidstone General Hospital.

"The pilot decided to abort take-off and he didn't stop in time and he crashed. We're all pretty upset about this happening. It's people we know. It's our airplane," Headcorn Parachute Club manager Jane Buckle said. The pilot was a full-time pilot employed by the club.

Buckle confirmed eight members of the club were onboard when it crashed at the end of the runway, hitting a static display aircraft that is part of an aircraft museum's static display.

"Police are preserving the scene to allow the Air Accident Investigation Branch to conduct their inquiries," a Kent Police spokesman said.

Headcorn Aerodrome was founded in 1927 by Mark Freeman. The dual-runway facility was used solely for private aviation until 1942, when it was taken over by the American and Canadian Air forces. It was returned to the Freeman family when the war ended in 1945.

In addition to housing the parachute club, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year, it also offers helicopter and balloon flights, flying lessons and pleasure flights and features the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum.

The Beaver was DeHavilland Canada's most successful bush plane design. The prototype, seating five to six, flew in 1947. 1963 saw the first flight of the Turbo version featuring a Pratt & Whitney PT6A6 turboprop and seating for 11. Production ceased in 1967 after almost 1,700 were built.

FMI: www.headcornaerodrome.co.uk/