What happened
On 3 July 2000, a Europa aircraft, registration G-FLOR, was engaged in a private flight at Lydd Airport, Kent. The flight was intended as refresher training for the aircraft owner, accompanied by a coach from the Popular Flying Association acting as the second pilot. The flight plan included upper airwork, circuit training, and strip flying.
Following successful airwork, the aircraft returned to Lydd to perform circuit training. The owner was instructed to perform a full-stop landing and a subsequent takeoff. During the landing approach, the aircraft bounced on the runway before coming to a stop. Following the landing, the plan was for the owner to execute the next takeoff, with the coach intending to take control once the aircraft was airborne to provide a debrief.
As the takeoff roll commenced, the owner proceeded without initial difficulty. However, before the aircraft had achieved flight, the coach took control of the aircraft. Upon assuming control, the coach was unable to manage the aircraft's tendency to swing, resulting in a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered off the right side of the runway, coming to a halt at a 90-degree angle to the runway heading. The occupants, both wearing appropriate safety harnesses, exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events regarding the transition of control between the owner and the coach. The inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the landing gear, the propeller, and the propeller spinner, as well as evidence of shock loading within the engine.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the undercarriage, propeller, and engine components.
- The coach took control of the aircraft at an inappropriate time before it had become fully airborne.
- The loss of directional control was directly linked to the pilot's inability to counteract the aircraft's swing immediately after the premature takeover.