What happened
On 31 July 2016, a Europa XS, registration G-XSDJ, was attempting to take off from Lundy Island Airfield in Devon. The flight was being conducted as a private operation with a single pilot on board. The airfield surface at the time was noted as being somewhat stony and uneven.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's mainwheel hit a ridge in the runway surface. This impact projected the aircraft into the air before it had achieved the necessary flying speed. As the aircraft descended, it struck a second bump on the strip. This second impact caused the propeller to strike the ground, which resulted in the detachment of two propeller blades and caused significant damage to the lower fuselage structure just ahead of the wing's leading edge.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot and subsequent enquiries by the AAIB. The investigators examined the condition of the airfield surface and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had extensive experience on this specific type, was uninjured during the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft striking a ridge on the uneven runway surface during the takeoff roll.
- The subsequent impact with a second bump led to the propeller strike and resulting structural damage to the Europa XS.