Aircraft Suffers Apparent Engine Failure On Takeoff

A Perth, Australia pilot was injured this weekend, when his homebuilt Bede Aircraft BD-5 went down seconds after takeoff Sunday.

Witnesses said the tiny plane (file photo of type, right) impacted the runway seconds after it became airborne, due to apparent engine failure. The aircraft came down on its belly, skidded off the end of the runway and caught fire.

Pilot Peter Gilbertson was extricated from the aircraft by spectators and airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital with spinal injuries and burns, according to The West Australian.

The accident occurred during the annual Sport Aircraft Association WA Chapter fly-in in Northam, Australia. Northam Aero Club president Tony Rees said more than 100 people were in attendance and about 40 aircraft were participating.

"The plane landed very heavily," Rees said. "A couple of members raced over with fire extinguishers and dragged the pilot out."

The fire was doused within minutes, but at least two rescuers suffered minor burns.

Another witness said it appeared the plane had run into problems prior to take-off.

"There seemed to be a bit of trouble when they were starting it but eventually it got going," the witness said. "Three planes took off together but that plane just basically lost power and dropped out of the sky. It skidded about 80m to 100m off the runway and caught fire. There were guys running across to get the pilot out and we thought it would explode any minute."

He said Gilbertson appeared to be conscious and talking when he was extricated from the aircraft. 

FMI: www.northamaeroclub.com/, www.bd5.com