What happened
On 28 December 2014, a CZAW Sportcruiser, registration EI-EDJ, was attempting a takeoff from Runway 25 at Fethard Airfield, Co. Tipperary. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and one passenger, briefly lifted off the grass surface before the pilot applied forward control column input to manage the pitch. This maneuver caused the aircraft to settle back onto the runway and resulted in a significant loss of airspeed.
Deciding to abort the takeoff, the pilot reduced engine power to idle and applied the brakes. However, the aircraft overran the end of the grass strip and entered a planted field. Upon encountering soft ground, the nose wheel assembly fractured and detached. The aircraft then traveled further before the nose dropped, causing the propeller and engine cowling to strike the ground. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the aircraft's performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the pilot was utilizing a "short-field" takeoff technique, involving holding the control column fully back during the initial roll and applying forward pressure once airborne to correct a pitch-up tendency. The pilot also noted that the grass on the runway was long and wet, particularly toward the end of the strip.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft's documentation, noting that the Pilot’s Operating Handbook contained no specific instructions for short-field takeoff or landing procedures. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the ground conditions of the field adjacent to the runway, which was found to be soft soil.