Sywell World War One replica plane crash pilot might have stalled

The replica Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c crashed during a practice air display

A pilot seriously injured when his replica vintage World War One biplane crashed might have "inadvertently stalled the aircraft", a report said.

The Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c crashed at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on 2 September.

The plane was taking part in a practice display sequence with five other aircraft at the time.

It "entered a spin" at 500ft (152m) and crashed "nose-down", the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.

The 57-year-old pilot suffered a fractured vertebra, broken ribs, severe face lacerations, a broken wrist and a broken thumb.

He was flying the aircraft from the rear cockpit, which prevented further injuries as the front cockpit was "severely damaged".

"The rear cockpit instrument panel broke away from its mounting and was found in the front cockpit," the report said.

"Had the front seat been occupied, it could have struck the front passenger and caused significant injuries."

The plane was damaged but its "rigid framework" protected the pilot from further injuries, said the report

The pilot was wearing a Kevlar flying helmet at the time "to look more authentic" and the report said it was "likely this prevented him from suffering further serious injuries".

The plane was also severely damaged including the fuselage, front cockpit, and the rear cockpit instrument panel. The fuel tank was crushed and punctured, causing the fuel to leak out, but there was no fire.

The pilot said he made a "large turn" to get into position before the wing dropped

The pilot made a right turn to get the aircraft in the correct position for the display, it then "descended in a steep nose-down altitude and continued to rotate the right", the report said.

The aircraft, built in 1969, then entered a spin or a spiral dive before crashing.

"It is possible that, whilst manoeuvring the aircraft slightly aggressively, the pilot inadvertently stalled the aircraft," the AAIB said.

The report added it was "also possible" the aircraft was affected by turbulence.