Aircraft and Flight Details
On 25 November 2021 at 1305 UTC, a privately operated Europa XS (G-REJP) departed from Nuthampstead Airfield, Hertfordshire, for a private flight. The single-engine aircraft, powered by a Rotax 912ULS piston engine, was manufactured in 2007. The pilot, aged 63, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 1,413 total flying hours, including 5 hours on type. He was the sole occupant and was uninjured. The aircraft sustained a fractured fuselage, damaged propeller, and main wings twisted on spar.
History of the Flight
After applying full power on grass Runway 05, the pilot noted the aircraft yawed left "slightly more than usual." He applied right rudder and right brake, expecting rudder effectiveness to increase with airspeed. However, later in the takeoff roll, even with full right rudder and right brake, the aircraft continued departing left of the runway. The pilot reached a "critical point" and, to avoid a runway excursion, stopped applying right brake and rotated the aircraft into the air. It became airborne briefly but touched down adjacent to the runway and struck a raised earth bank.
Airfield and Meteorological Information
Nuthampstead's grass runway is described by pilots as 'well-maintained' but known to become waterlogged after several days of rain. At the time of the accident, wind was from 340° at 10-11 kt. Reports from adjacent aerodromes indicated intermittent fog, mist, drizzle, and light rain during the previous six days, with temperatures between 2° and 7°C.
Aircraft Information
The Europa XS Trigear is a two-seat homebuilt aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear and a maximum gross weight of 621 kg. The owner's manual describes normal takeoff as opening throttle smoothly, tracking straight with rudder, and rotating at 50 kts. It warns of left yaw tendency due to propeller effects and crosswind from the port side, recommending use of differential braking. The manual also cautions against rotating before flying speed is reached, as this can stall the wing.
Pilot Information
The pilot owned the aircraft for about a month, with most of his experience on a Mooney M20J. He had completed 20 takeoffs and landings in G-REJP, including circuits with an LAA instructor. He did not consider rejecting the takeoff and rotated at 45 KIAS. The airspeed indicator was of a different style than he was used to, making it difficult to read during acceleration. Post-accident inspection found no rudder obstruction; muddy tracks suggested the left main wheel had not been rolling properly, possibly due to a binding brake, but subsequent damage prevented determination.
Takeoff Decision Making
CAA guidance emphasizes that pilots should identify a decision point on the runway for rejecting takeoff in the event of malfunctions. The pilot stated he habitually briefed for engine failure after takeoff but not for rejected takeoffs or takeoff decision making. The report notes that the pilot could not recall training on these topics.
Probable Cause
The pilot rotated the aircraft early to avoid a lateral runway excursion due to a significant left yawing tendency, which probably caused a wing stall, then the aircraft struck a raised earth bank.