What happened
On 16 March 2003, a Europa aircraft, registration G-PTYE, was being prepared for a local flight from Caltonmoor Farm Strip in Derbyshire. The pilot, who also owned the aircraft, had taken a passenger on board for the flight. After completing satisfactory pre-flight checks, the pilot commenced the takeoff roll on Runway 24 using full power.
During the initial roll, the pilot noted a sluggishness in acceleration, which he initially attributed to the added weight of the passenger. As the aircraft reached the crest of a rise on the runway, it briefly became airborne but failed to gain sufficient flying speed. Unable to abort the takeoff, the aircraft struck a low stone wall at the end of the strip. The impact dislodged stones from the wall and caused substantial damage to the underside of the aircraft. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined several factors that may have contributed to the degraded performance of the aircraft. The pilot noted that the grass on the strip was longer than usual due to recent fine weather. He also considered the possibility that the monowheel brake might have been dragging, a condition that, due to the aircraft's configuration, would not produce a noticeable turning tendency.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the performance variations inherent in kit-built aircraft. The manufacturer's manual notes that because these aircraft are built individually, performance can vary significantly between units, and pilots are encouraged to record specific performance data for their own aircraft. The investigation also reviewed standard guidance regarding grass strip operations, noting that factors such as increased weight, higher elevation, and long grass significantly extend the required takeoff distance.