Accident Details
On 20 October 2017 at 1520 UTC, an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar (registration G-TIVV, serial no. PFA 315-14435) was involved in a takeoff accident at Perth Airport. The aircraft, powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine, was on a private flight with only the pilot on board. The pilot, aged 67, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 450 hours total flying experience, including 118 hours on type, but only 4 hours in the previous 90 days and 1 hour in the previous 28 days.
The flight was the first since repairs following a previous takeoff accident with the same pilot. According to the pilot, as the aircraft reached flying speed it rotated normally but then failed to climb as expected. He attempted to abort the takeoff but was unable to control the aircraft; it bounced two or three times before coming to rest to the left of the runway with the engine still running. The pilot was uninjured. Damage was limited to the propeller and aircraft structure.
Examination Findings
An inspector from the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) examined the aircraft and discovered that the instrument static line in the left wing was disconnected. A subsequent test flight using a similar aircraft demonstrated that the airspeed indicator would over-read under such conditions.
Subsequent Actions
The LAA is reviewing its procedures for the management of repairs and subsequent release of aircraft for a return-to-service check flight.