On June 14, 2002, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration OY-CFV) operated by Copenhagen Airtaxi was involved in an aviation accident near Anholt Island, Denmark during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The following findings were identified: - The elevator trim was not correctly configured to neutral prior to takeoff, - The pilot failed to abort the takeoff after the first attempted rotation, when the aircraft did not respond normally to elevator command, -… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced multiple failed takeoff attempts due to improper elevator trim configuration, resulting in a crash landing after impacting a sand dune.
What happened
During a series of takeoff attempts, an aircraft encountered significant control issues. On the initial attempt, the pilot was unable to rotate the aircraft because the elevator trim was not set to the neutral position, instead remaining in a 1.5 unit nose-down configuration. This prevented the necessary pitch for liftoff, leading the pilot to reject the takeoff.
A second attempt was also abandoned shortly after for the same mechanical discrepancy. During a third departure attempt, conducted with a tailwind component approaching the maximum allowable limit, the aircraft became airborne just as the stall warning activated. In an effort to increase airspeed, the pilot lowered the nose; however, during this maneuver, the right main landing gear struck a sand dune. The impact caused the aircraft to lose control and undergo a crash landing, after which it came to a stop.
Findings
The elevator trim was not correctly configured to neutral prior to takeoff.
The pilot failed to abort the takeoff after the first attempted rotation when the aircraft did not respond normally to elevator commands.
The takeoff was initiated with a tailwind component that was close to the maximum permissible value.