What happened
On 27 July 2022, at approximately 09:30 UTC, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-EEWZ, was performing a private local flight from Stoke Airfield in Kent. The weather conditions at the time of departure were favorable, with a north-easterly wind of roughly 10 knots. The aircraft was utilizing the grass runway 06 for takeoff.
As the aircraft accelerated along the runway, it reached a speed of approximately 55 mph. At this point, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft by pushing the basebar. Shortly after lifting off, the left wing dropped, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. The pilot lost directional control, leading the aircraft to collide with a hangar situated along the left side of the airstrip. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, rendering it beyond economic repair. The pilot sustained serious injuries and required ambulance transport to a hospital, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the takeoff roll and the aircraft's behavior during the rotation phase. The pilot suggested that the accident may have been caused by a combination of an unexpected reduction in headwind and the possibility that the rotation was initiated too early.