History of the Flight
The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Hollymeadow Farm, Bradley, Derbyshire. The pilot and passenger intended to fly to Tatenhill, Staffordshire, for an inspection and calibration of a pre-production Light Aircraft Glass Cockpit (LAGC) display system installed in the aircraft. After pushing the aircraft from the hangar, the pilot started the engine, which ran normally for two to three minutes before stopping. The pilot exited, moved to the nose area, and then returned. After a brief discussion with another Europa owner, the engine was restarted and doors closed. The aircraft taxied to the northern end of the strip and was out of view for about ten minutes, during which the pilot believed adjustments to the LAGC were made.
Witnesses observed the aircraft at approximately 25 to 50 feet with flaps, main landing gear, and outriggers extended. The engine note changed, suggesting a power reduction, and light grey or blue smoke was seen from the engine cowling. The aircraft began a gentle left turn; the smoke stopped abruptly and the engine sounded as if it was 'picking up' again. However, the left wing and nose dropped, and the aircraft descended rapidly, striking the ground in a left-wing-low, nose-down attitude. There was no fire.
Impact Parameters
Post-accident examination showed the aircraft impacted while rotating in yaw to the left in a steep nose-down attitude with negligible horizontal velocity, pointing back toward the runway. The impact conditions were consistent with a severe wing drop or incipient spin. The degree of damage was such that the probability of survival was regarded as very low.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft was a 1995 Europa, registration G-KWIP, powered by one Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The pilot, a PFA approved inspector, had been heavily involved in building the aircraft. The aircraft had undergone numerous modifications, including changes to engine cooling (relocation of radiators), replacement of the fixed pitch propeller with an Arplast PV50 variable pitch propeller, alterations to coolant concentration, removal of stall strips, and installation of the LAGC display system. The LAGC system monitored 19 parameters and displayed warnings. The pitot-static system had also been modified.
Wreckage Examination
The cockpit area sustained extensive structural disruption, including break-up of sidewalls, floor, and central tunnel. Both harnesses survived intact but their effectiveness was limited by structural disruption. No pre-impact defect or malfunction of the flying controls was found. The elevator trim was near the nose-up end, possibly due to post-accident contact. The fuel system was disrupted; the fuel selector valve was found at an intermediate position but not significantly restricting flow. The gascolator filter was clean, and both fuel pumps functioned when tested. Both carburettors had detached from their inlet manifold connections at the rubber joints.