Early rotation leads to stall and collision in Europa XS takeoff

Casualties unknown • Nuthampstead Airfield, Hertfordshire, GB

A pilot of a Europa XS rotated the aircraft prematurely to avoid a runway excursion, resulting in a wing stall and impact with an earth bank.

What happened

On 25 November 2021, a Europa XS, registration G-REJP, was performing a private takeoff from the grass runway 05 at Nuthampostead Airfield. During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the pilot noted a leftward yawing tendency that was more pronounced than usual. To maintain the centerline, the pilot applied right rudder and right braking.

As the takeoff roll continued, the aircraft began to deviate significantly from the runway surface despite the pilot's efforts to correct the direction. To prevent a complete runway excursion, the pilot decided to rotate the aircraft at approximately 45 KIAS, which was below the required takeoff speed. This early rotation likely induced a wing stall. The aircraft briefly became airborne but subsequently touched down adjacent to the runway, striking a raised earth bank. The impact caused a fractured fuselage, a damaged propeller, and twisted wings. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

The AAIB examined the aircraft's handling characteristics and the environmental conditions at the time. The airfield had experienced recent rain, leaving the grass surface damp. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's manual, which notes that the Europa XS can be challenging to handle in crosswinds due to engine torque and propeller effects.

Investigators looked into the pilot's decision-making process and the possibility of a technical fault. While the pilot noted that the left main wheel appeared to have been tracking poorly, no specific mechanical failure was identified. The investigation also explored the lack of a pre-departure briefing regarding rejected takeoff (RTO) procedures.

Findings

  • The pilot rotated the aircraft before reaching a safe flying speed to avoid leaving the runway.
  • This premature rotation likely caused the wing to stall.
  • A significant left yawing tendency was present during the takeoff roll, which the pilot could not overcome.
  • The pilot had not considered a rejected takeoff as a viable option during the roll.
  • The damp grass surface and the aircraft's specific handling characteristics in crosswinds may have contributed to the difficulty in maintaining directional control.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot rotating the aircraft prematurely to avoid a runway excursion, which likely led to a wing stall and subsequent impact with an earth bank. This decision was made because the pilot was unable to counteract a strong leftward yawing tendency during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-11-25 Europa XS accident near Nuthampstead Airfield, Hertfordshire, GB?

A pilot of a Europa XS rotated the aircraft prematurely to avoid a runway excursion, resulting in a wing stall and impact with an earth bank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-11-25 involved a Europa XS, registration G-REJP , at Nuthampstead Airfield, Hertfordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot rotating the aircraft prematurely to avoid a runway excursion, which likely led to a wing stall and subsequent impact with an earth bank. This decision was made because the pilot was unable to counteract a strong leftward yawing tendency during the takeoff roll.

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