What happened
On 27 December 2018, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BVOW, was performing a private flight at MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. The pilot intended to conduct several circuits using the grass runway 35. Weather conditions at the time were calm with good visibility.
As the aircraft accelerated during the takeoff roll, the airspeed reached roughly 40 knots, at which point the tail lifted. Following this rotation, the aircraft began to veer toward the left. Despite the pilot attempting to correct the heading with right rudder, the deviation continued. The aircraft moved from the grass surface onto a section of tarmac, where the leftward rotation intensified. The aircraft sustained damage to its propeller, windscreen, fuselage, and wingtips, but the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of the takeoff roll and the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. It was noted that on this specific model, the propeller slipstream creates a physical effect that necessitates the use of right rudder to maintain a straight heading. This effect becomes particularly pronounced once the aircraft transitions from its tailwheel configuration to balancing solely on its mainwheel.
Findings
- The aircraft deviated from the runway centerline during the takeoff roll.
- Insufficient or delayed application of right rudder prevented the pilot from countering the leftward yaw caused by the propeller slipstream.
- The aircraft's movement from the grass runway to the tarmac contributed to the continued loss of directional control.