Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Europa XS, registration G-XSDJ, manufactured in 2002 (serial number PFA 247-13378). It was powered by a single Rotax 914-UL piston engine. The flight was private, with only the pilot on board. The pilot, aged 77, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 1,647 flight hours, of which 1,149 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 33 hours, and in the last 28 days, 17 hours.
Accident Details
On 31 July 2016 at approximately 1300 UTC, the pilot attempted a takeoff from Lundy Island Airfield in Devon. The runway surface was described as somewhat stony and uneven. During the takeoff roll, the mainwheel struck a ridge in the surface. This impact projected the aircraft into the air before it had attained flying speed. The aircraft then descended and struck another bump on the strip.
Damage
The second impact resulted in a propeller strike. Two of the propeller blades were detached. The impact forces caused significant structural damage to the lower fuselage immediately in front of the wing leading edge. No injuries were sustained by the pilot.
Source
This article is based on information from the AAIB Bulletin 12/2016.