What happened
On 9 April 2011, an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration G-IDOL, was performing a private takeoff from Runway 14 at Damyns Hall Airfield in Essex. Approximately 50 metres into the takeoff roll, the aircraft's nosewheel struck a bump on the runway surface. This impact caused the aircraft to lift off the ground prematurely, before it had reached its required flying speed.
Upon leaving the ground, the aircraft began to veer to the left. This deviation was driven by a combination of engine torque, propeller slipstream effects, and a crosswind component. The pilot attempted to correct the heading using the rudder, but the control was insufficient to maintain the centerline. In an effort to stop the excursion, the pilot closed the throttle and applied the brakes; however, the aircraft continued toward a row of parked cars. In a final attempt to avoid the vehicles, the pilot applied full left rudder, causing the aircraft to swing nearly 180 degrees. During this maneuver, the right wing tip struck the open tailgate of a car, causing the aircraft to swing back to the right and collide with the side of the vehicle. The accident resulted in no fatalities, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the engine, propeller, wings, fuselage, and landing gear, and a parked car was also damaged.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's handling characteristics and the impact of the runway surface. A flight test conducted by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) on a similar aircraft type was reviewed to assess directional control. The test confirmed that while the aircraft could be controlled at low speeds with appropriate rudder use, it exhibited a natural tendency to yaw left at low airspeeds under full power due to the Rotax 912 engine's torque and slipstream. The investigation also noted that a similar incident involving a different Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, G-CFVI, had occurred previously under similar crosswind conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the premature liftoff caused by the nosewheel striking a bump on the runway.
- At the low airspeed resulting from the premature lift, the pilot lacked sufficient rudder authority to counteract the leftward yaw induced by engine torque, propeller slipstream, and the existing crosswind.
- The wind conditions at the time, featuring a 12-knot component from the left, exacerbated the aircraft's tendency to veer off the runway.