The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has released its final report into the fatal crash of a Spitfire Mk 26B (registration G-ENAA) at Enstone Airfield, Oxfordshire, on 28 July 2024, concluding that the aircraft most likely stalled during an abrupt pitch-up shortly after takeoff.
According to investigators, the aircraft veered left during the takeoff roll before pitching up rapidly. Moments after lifting off, it rolled sharply to the left, with the left wingtip striking the ground. The aircraft overturned and caught fire, fatally injuring the pilot.
The AAIB determined that the rapid pitch-up probably led to an aerodynamic stall, triggering a left roll and yaw consistent with post-stall autorotation.
Despite significant impact and fire damage, investigators found no evidence of technical defects that could have impaired the aircraft’s controllability. As a result, the AAIB said no definitive cause for the initial loss of control could be identified.
