What happened
On 6 September 2015, a Europa Trigear, registration G-BXGG, was performing a private flight from Abbots Bromley Airfield in Staffordshire to Sywell Aerodrome. During the takeoff roll on Runway 05, the pilot encountered an unexpected change in the aircraft's pitch characteristics. As the aircraft accelerated, the pilot found it increasingly difficult to maintain pitch control, eventually requiring significant forward pressure on the control column using both hands.
The pilot observed that the cockpit pitch trim indicator showed the all-flying tailplane trim tab had moved to a full nose-up position, deviating from the takeoff setting established during pre-flight checks. In response to this instability, the pilot closed the throttle and applied the brakes to abort the takeoff. However, as the aircraft slowed, it weathercocked into a northerly crosswind and veered off the left side of the runway. The aircraft came to a stop in a field of standing wheat approximately 30 to 40 metres from the runway edge. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the propeller and main landing gear legs sustained damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's pitch trim system and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff roll. Investigators reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the aircraft's maintenance history. A post-accident inspection of the electrically-actuated pitch trim system was conducted to determine why the trim had moved unexpectedly. This check revealed that the system was operating normally following the event.
Findings
- The aircraft's pitch trim system experienced an uncommanded movement to full nose-up trim during the takeoff roll, though the specific cause of this movement could not be determined.
- The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff resulted in the aircraft decelerating in a manner that allowed the wind to push the aircraft off the runway.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the main landing gear legs.