What happened
On 14 August 1999, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BVGF, was performing circuit flying practice at Brunton Airfield in Northumberland. The flight was a private operation involving two persons on board. During the takeoff from Runway 26, the aircraft initially climbed normally; however, at an altitude of approximately 20 feet, a powerful gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the left of the runway centerline. This movement directed the aircraft toward a cluster of trees located in the central triangle of the airfield.
Recognizing that the aircraft lacked the necessary climb performance to clear the obstacle, the pilot attempted to execute an 'S turn' to return to the runway for a second landing attempt. While the pilot managed to realign the aircraft over Runway 26, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown near the intersection with Runway 02/20 and swung toward the left. The aircraft subsequently crossed the width of Runway 02/20, breached the perimeter fence, and struck trees approximately 20 metres from the left edge of the runway. The impact resulted in minor injuries to the pilot, who sustained a puncture wound to the chest, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the environmental factors present at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that a rudder actuator cable was found to be excessively worn and broken. However, it was determined that had this failure occurred prior to the aircraft breaching the fence, it would have actually prevented the application of left rudder, making mechanical failure an improbable cause for the loss of directional control.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained severe damage to the cockpit, wings, and tailplane, along with a damaged propeller and fuselage cracks.
- The primary cause of the incident was a strong wind gust that blew the aircraft sideways during the initial takeoff.
- The pilot's decision to attempt a second landing was prompted by insufficient climb performance to clear the trees following the wind gust.