What happened
On 18 July 2014, a Jodel D120A Paris-Nice, registration G-BDWX, departed from Runway 04 at Full Sutton Airfield in Yorkshire. The aircraft was operating a private flight and was configured at near its maximum all-up weight. During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed that acceleration was slower than usual, a phenomenon anticipated due to the heavy weight of the aircraft. Despite the sluggish performance, the aircraft became airborne before the pilot reached the predetermined decision point.
At an altitude of approximately 50 feet, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. This loss of lift caused the aircraft to sink, making it impossible to clear the rising terrain ahead. The undercarriage subsequently struck a hedge, which caused the aircraft to pitch forward. The impact led to the collapse of the undercarriage, bringing the aircraft to a sudden stop on the ground. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained damage to its wings, tailplane, and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's performance capabilities, noting that during its most recent LAA flight test, the aircraft had demonstrated a climb rate exceeding 600 fpm when operating at near maximum weight. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions and the aircraft's weight during the departure.