What happened
On 20 October 2007, an Easy Raider J2.2(2), registration G-OEZI, was performing a private flight at Staindrop Airstrip in Co Durham. The pilot intended to execute a touch-and-go maneuver. During the ground roll following touchdown, the aircraft exhibited a persistent tendency to yaw to the left, which the pilot corrected using significant right rudder input.
As the aircraft continued down the grass runway, the pilot applied full power for takeoff. However, the aircraft failed to reach its typical takeoff speed. In an attempt to clear a fence located at the end of the runway, the pilot pulled back on the control stick. The aircraft became airborne at a speed lower than required for a safe climb; shortly after reaching an altitude of approximately 40 ft, the right wing stalled. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground to the right of the runway, passing through two fences before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the runway surface and the aircraft's landing gear. The tyre marks on the grass strip measured approximately 175 m in length and ended roughly 75 m before the runway terminus, suggesting the point of liftoff. While the right wheel appeared normal, the investigation identified fret lines on the runway surface where the left hub and tyre had been grinding against the ground. The pilot also noted that the tyre had appeared correctly inflated during his pre-flight inspection, but he suspected it had deflated during the flight, contributing to the directional instability.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a leftward yaw during the takeoff roll, which necessitated heavy right rudder application.
- The left tyre had deflated during the flight, causing the left hub to grind against the runway surface.
- The drag produced by the deflated tyre and the necessary rudder corrections prevented the aircraft from reaching its normal takeoff velocity.
- The aircraft became airborne at an insufficient airspeed for a safe climb, leading to a right-wing stall.