What happened
On 16 March 2024, a Europa XS Monowheel, registration G-BYIK, was conducting a training flight at Full Sutton Airfield in Yorkshire. During the landing phase, the aircraft experienced a bounce on the runway due to the pilot touching down at a higher speed than intended.
In response to the bounce, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. While the aircraft successfully lifted off and began to climb following the application of power, the pilot attempted to level off at approximately 80 ft agl after an excessive pitch-up. During this maneuver, the left wing dropped, causing the aircraft to descend and strike the ground. The impact resulted in a partial cartwheel, causing damage to the propeller, the tail fin, the aileron, and the left wing tip. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the sequence of events following the accident, which was reported via the pilot's accident report form. The investigation looked into the pilot's actions during the go-around and the aerodynamic conditions at the time of the incident. The pilot noted that the application of power occurred too late in the sequence and that the aircraft's airspeed decreased while the pitch angle was being reduced to level the flight path. Additionally, the investigation considered environmental factors, such as potential turbulence or disturbed airflow caused by nearby hangars, which may have influenced the aircraft's stability.