Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Cosmik Aviation EV-97 Eurostar, registered G-CDNG, with serial number 2319 and year of manufacture 2005. It was powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine.
Accident Details
On 5 July 2014 at 1630 UTC, the pilot commenced a takeoff in a northerly direction from a 400 m grass airstrip on a private airstrip near Gloucester. The weather was fine with light and variable wind. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft deviated to the left and ran off the prepared surface into an adjacent wheat field. After entering the field, it came to rest pitched forward onto its nose. The pilot, who was uninjured, vacated the aircraft without assistance.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and was 69 years old at the time of the accident. His total flying experience was 235 hours, of which 68 hours were on the accident type. In the previous 90 days he had flown 3 hours, and in the previous 28 days, 2 hours.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, right wing, nosewheel, engine firewall, and floor pan.
Pilot's Observation
The pilot reported that he believed a gust of wind at the same time as encountering a bump on the runway caused him to lose directional control.
Investigation Source
This information is based solely on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and published in the AAIB Bulletin 9/2014.