What happened
On 11 May 2025, an EV-97 teamEurostar, registration G-CDNM, was conducting a private instructional flight at Athey’s Moor Airfield. The session was intended to train a student on circuit emergency procedures, specifically focusing on an engine failure after takeoff (EFATO). After an initial orbit of the airfield to identify emergency landing sites, the instructor took control to demonstrate the procedure.
During the demonstration, the instructor reduced the throttle to idle at 150 ft agl and transitioned the aircraft into a gliding attitude. As the aircraft approached a landing area, the instructor initiated a right-hand turn to level the wings at a low altitude. While the aircraft was approximately 15-20 ft agl, full power was applied to execute a climb away. Although the engine responded as expected, the aircraft experienced a sudden sink and a wing drop, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw and slide sideways, leading to the collapse of the left landing gear and subsequently the nose gear. The propeller struck the ground while at high power, and the tailplane also made contact with the surface.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the flight and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The weather was reported as settled with good visibility and light winds. The investigators reviewed the flight maneuvers, noting that the instructor had successfully completed an abandoned takeoff demonstration prior to the accident. The physical damage to the airframe, landing gear, and propeller was documented, and the instructor's account of the flight was analyzed.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the airframe, landing gear, and propeller.
- The instructor suggested that turbulent air over nearby trees may have caused the sudden sink and wing drop.
- The instructor noted that the climb away could have been initiated earlier in the procedure.