Loss of control - Eagle X-TS 150, VH-FPP, Jandakot Aerodrome, Western Australia, on 12 May 2010

On 12 May 2010, an instructor and student were conducting circuit training in an Eagle Aircraft Australia X-TS 150 aircraft, registered VH-FPP, at Jandakot Aerodrome, Western Australia. Soon after lift-off the engine started to run rough and lost power. The instructor took over control and, maintaining between 50 and 100 ft above ground level, turned the aircraft towards another runway. Near the end of that runway the aircraft pitched nose-up, stalled and collided with the ground, seriously damaging the aircraft and injuring the occupants.

There was no evidence found of an aircraft defect or anomaly likely to have significantly affected engine power. The investigation found that the decision by the instructor to turn downwind significantly increased the aircraft's energy and therefore the risk of aircraft damage and occupant injury in the case of a forced landing.