What happened
On 15 September 2016, a Tecnam P2002-JF Sierra, registration G-TECI, was performing a private flight from Haverfordwest Airfield in Pembrokeshire. During the takeoff roll on the asphalt Runway 03, the pilot applied full power into a northerly wind of approximately 8 to 9 knots.
As the aircraft reached a speed of roughly 45 knots, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft in line with the manufacturer's flight manual. During this maneuver, the nose of the aircraft rose more sharply than anticipated. Upon releasing back pressure on the control stick, the nose dropped, and the aircraft simultaneously entered a left wing-down attitude while veering to the left. The aircraft briefly became airborne before striking the ground and coming to a stop in the long grass beside the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the pitot tube, the left wingtip, and the nosewheel, which collapsed during the event.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances of the takeoff and the aircraft's behavior during the rotation phase. The investigation noted that the pilot suggested gusty wind conditions might have played a role in the loss of control. Additionally, the investigators reviewed the aerodynamic characteristics of this specific class of aircraft, noting that they possess relatively high power-to-weight ratios.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced an unexpected nose rise followed by a drop and a leftward veer.
- The aircraft's high power-to-weight ratio can cause a tendency to swing to the left at high power, particularly during low-speed operations.
- Effective use of right rudder is necessary to counteract this directional tendency during takeoff.