What happened
On 15 March 2014, a Cirrus SR20, registration N781CD, departed from Sleap Airfield in Shropshire for a local flight. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers. At the time of departure, the aircraft was operating at a high takeoff mass of 2,845 lb. Weather conditions were clear, though a westerly wind of approximately 20 knots, accompanied by occasional gusts, was blowing directly across the active runway.
Shortly after the aircraft became airborne, it experienced a sharp right-hand bank, which the pilot attributed to a wind gust. As the aircraft drifted away from the runway centerline, it began to enter a series of oscillations. The pilot noted a perceived reduction in control effectiveness, potentially caused by the aircraft encountering a tailwind component as it moved off the runway path. Believing that continuing the flight was not an option, the pilot decided to land the aircraft immediately. The aircraft touched down on a section of disused runway before traversing rough farmland within the airfield boundary. The landing resulted in no fatalities or injuries, though the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller, tail surfaces, and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and balance documentation, which confirmed the takeoff mass was within the maximum permitted limit of 3,000 lb. The inquiry also reviewed the pilot's experience and the environmental conditions, specifically the wind speed and direction relative to the runway in use.