What happened
On 13 March 1999, an Evans VP-1 Series 2, registration G-BVUT, was performing a private flight from the Pepper Box Airstrip in Wiltshire. During the takeoff roll on the grass runway, the pilot encountered a surface wind of 250°/11 kt. Because the aircraft was operating near its maximum takeoff weight, the pilot chose to continue the takeoff past the intended abort point, intending to rotate later than usual.
As the aircraft reached the end of the runway strip, it was rotating at a speed near its minimum flying threshold. Shortly after lifting off at an altitude of approximately three feet, the propeller made contact with a tree stump. This impact led the aircraft to subsequently collide with a wire fence. The pilot, who was secured by a five-point harness, sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the takeoff conditions, the aircraft's weight, and the environmental factors present at the time of the incident. The analysis focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the takeoff distance and the impact of the wind on the aircraft's performance capabilities.