Accident Details
On 19 August 2012 at 1810 UTC, an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration G-CBWG, sustained damage during a takeoff attempt from a private grass strip at Lane Farm, Hay-on-Wye, Radnorshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 2002, was powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The flight was private, with one pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot, aged 60, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 285 flying hours, including 20 hours on type.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the weather was good with light winds. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft travelled approximately 150 meters down the runway before encountering a bump. Upon hitting the bump, the aircraft became airborne at an airspeed of between 45 and 50 mph. It then flew level, about six feet above the ground, for a short distance. Subsequently, the right wing dropped, and the aircraft landed heavily back onto the runway. The impact caused the left main landing gear to bend and the nose gear to collapse, and the propeller struck the ground. Additional damage was sustained to the lower engine cover and the underside of the fuselage.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft’s left main landing gear, nosewheel, propeller, lower engine cover, and underside fuselage were damaged. Both the pilot and passenger were able to exit the aircraft uninjured. No injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.