What happened
On 2 June 2018, a P&M Aviation Quik GT450, registration G-CEZX, was performing a private flight departing from Abergavenny Airfield in Monmouthshire. After a previous landing at the airfield that had been deemed unstable, the pilot and a passenger prepared for a subsequent departure toward Kemble. During the takeoff roll on Runway 15, the pilot applied full power and managed a normal rotation, despite the runway having a slight upward gradient.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 40 to 50 feet, it encountered intense turbulence. This atmospheric instability caused the aircraft to weathercock and roll toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to steer toward the left to avoid the nearby A40 dual carriageway, but found the aircraft's control authority was severely limited. Consequently, the aircraft descended toward the edge of the runway, leading to a heavy landing. Upon contact with the ground, the right wing tip struck nearby shrubs, causing the aircraft to spin 180 degrees. While the aircraft remained upright, the impact resulted in extensive damage to the wing, propeller, landing gear, and fairings. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's performance during the takeoff phase. The pilot noted that wind conditions had become increasingly turbulent throughout the day. Prior to the accident, the pilot had observed wind speeds of at least 12 to 15 knots. The investigation also considered the physical layout of the airfield, specifically the presence of a tree line running parallel to the runway and the upward slope of the takeoff path.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was significant turbulence encountered during the initial climb.
- The turbulence was likely intensified by wind interacting with the adjacent tree line.
- The aircraft's ability to maintain altitude was compromised by a potential low-speed wing stall, which may have been induced by the combination of the runway's upslope and the sudden atmospheric disturbances.