What happened
On 14 July 2018, a Groppo Trail, registration G-CIGR, departed from the South Longwood Farm airstrip in Owslebury, Hampshire, for a private flight. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and one passenger, was operating near its maximum takeoff weight of 520 kg on a warm day with temperatures reaching approximately 27°C.
To maximize the available runway length, the crew positioned the aircraft at the western end of the 650 m grass strip. The pilot elected to take off in an easterly direction, utilizing a downslope present at the start of Runway 06. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lifted off approximately halfway down the runway. However, the aircraft failed to climb significantly, reaching an altitude of only about 15 to 20 feet before the climb ceased.
As the aircraft crossed a public road located at the end of the runway, it struck a telegraph pole. The impact caused the pole to fail, and the aircraft subsequently dropped into a nearby hedgerow. While the fuselage sustained extensive damage, both occupants, who were wearing four-point shoulder harnesses, escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's performance capabilities. Investigators noted that the airfield is situated in a valley, which can lead to variable local winds. While a windsock near the hangars suggested a light crosswind, the investigation considered that the windsock might have been shielded from the true airflow.
Analysis of the takeoff performance focused on the impact of high temperatures and potential tailwind components. The investigation also looked into the airfield's infrastructure, noting that poor mobile reception and the lack of a landline at the site presented difficulties for the witness attempting to contact emergency services.