What happened
On 5 July 2014, at approximately 16:30 UTC, a Cosmik Aviation EV-97 Eurostar, registration G-CDNG, was performing a private takeoff from a 400-metre grass airstrip located near Gloucester. The weather conditions at the time were reported as fine with light, variable winds.
As the aircraft began its takeoff roll in a northerly direction, it deviated to the left of the prepared surface. The aircraft subsequently ran off the airstrip and into an adjacent wheat field, where the impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation examined the damage sustained by the aircraft, which included damage to the propeller, the right wing, the nosewheel, the engine firewall, and the floor pan. The pilot provided information regarding the sequence of events, noting that the aircraft encountered a bump on the runway. The pilot also noted the possibility of a wind gust occurring simultaneously with the runway bump, which contributed to the loss of directional control.