Accident Overview
On 17 May 2014 at 1130 UTC, an Aerotechnik EV-97A Eurostar, registration G-CCEM, was involved in a ground collision at Oxenhope Airfield, West Yorkshire. The aircraft was on a private flight with one pilot on board and no passengers. The pilot was uninjured.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report, he had completed a short local flight of approximately ten minutes, including general handling, and landed uneventfully on Runway 29. After landing, he backtracked and lined up for another takeoff. During the takeoff run, the aircraft suddenly turned to the left. The pilot attempted to regain the centreline using the rudder, but the aircraft did not respond and departed the left side of the runway.
The aircraft then struck another aircraft, G-CDLK, which was parked with its right wing close to the runway. This impact caused G-CCEM to slew further left toward another parked aircraft, G-MESH. The pilot cut the master switch and applied full braking, but was unable to avoid a collision with the second aircraft.
Damage
G-CCEM sustained damage to its propeller, left wing, and left side of the fuselage. G-CDLK sustained damage to its right wingtip and aileron. G-MESH sustained damage to its right tailplane.
Pilot's Opinion
The pilot believed that his attempt to apply right rudder to regain the centreline resulted in both rudder pedals being operated simultaneously, with no consequent rudder deflection being achieved.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, an Aerotechnik EV-97A Eurostar, was manufactured in 2003 (serial number PFA 315-13987) and powered by one Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The pilot, aged 60, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 506 hours, including 3 hours on the accident aircraft type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 1 hour.