Summary
On 16 March 2003, a Europa aircraft (registration G-PTYE, single-engine Rotax 912-UL) operated as a private flight from Caltonmoor Farm Strip near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, struck a low stone wall during takeoff. The pilot and passenger escaped without injury, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a kit-built Europa manufactured in 1996, was owned and flown by a 52-year-old Private Pilot with 97 total flying hours, of which 70 were on type. He had flown only 2 hours in the previous 90 days and none in the last 28. The aircraft was kept in a hangar at the strip.
The Incident
The pilot pulled the aircraft from the hangar and prepared for a local flight with one passenger. After starting the engine and completing pre-flight checks, which were satisfactory, the aircraft taxied to the start of Runway 24. The strip at Caltonmoor lies at 990 feet amsl, is approximately 500 metres long, and has an undulating grass surface. Weather conditions were fine with light and variable wind.
The pilot applied full power. He noticed the takeoff roll was sluggish but attributed this to the passenger’s weight. The runway initially slopes downward then rises. Expecting the aircraft to become airborne at the top of the rise, possibly skipping once then accelerating, the pilot instead found that although the aircraft briefly lifted off, it did not maintain flight or gain flying speed. Unable to stop, the pilot continued the attempted takeoff but failed to clear a low stone wall at the end of the strip. The underside of the aircraft hit the wall, dislodging upper stones, and the aircraft came to rest beyond the wall with substantial damage.
Post-Incident Observations
The pilot believed the engine produced sufficient power but noted unusual drag. He identified several factors that may have contributed to the lack of performance: the extra weight of the passenger (as he seldom carried one), longer grass than usual following recent fine weather, and a possible dragging brake on the monowheel. He noted that with the aircraft’s configuration, a dragging brake would not cause a turning tendency and could go unnoticed.
Manufacturer and Guidance Information
The Europa Owner’s Manual recommends that pilots measure and record their aircraft’s performance for safe operation, stating that performance figures for a prototype may vary with build quality, propeller pitch, payload, runway surface, ambient temperature, and pilot technique. The Civil Aviation Authority’s Safety Sense Leaflets advise pilots of factors affecting takeoff distances, such as weight, elevation, grass length, and slope, and recommend establishing a decision point on the runway. The pilot commented afterwards that calculating a time-based speed target could provide an early indication of reduced performance.
Please note that the investigation did not assign a probable cause to this occurrence.