What happened
On 6 April 2006, an Evans VP-1 Series 2, registration G-EVPI, was performing a private flight from Deanland Airfield in East Sussex. The weather conditions were clear and calm, with winds recorded at 5 knots from 240°.
As the pilot commenced the takeoff roll on Runway 24, the tailwheel was raised. Following this, the aircraft began to deviate toward the right side of the grass runway. The deviation continued until the aircraft left the runway surface and collided with the airfield's perimeter fence. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear, the propeller, and the right wing. The pilot, who was secured by a four-point harness, sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's handling characteristics and the pilot's control inputs during the takeoff phase. The pilot provided a statement noting that the aircraft exhibited a specific tendency to rise and drift to the right once the tailwheel left the ground. To maintain the centerline, the aircraft required specific forward stick and left rudder corrections. The pilot acknowledged that the control inputs applied during this specific event were insufficient to counteract this movement.
Findings
- The aircraft deviated from the runway due to insufficient control inputs to counteract a known tendency for the aircraft to rise and move right as the tailwheel was raised.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's limited recent flying experience, having completed only 0.5 flying hours in the 28 days preceding the accident.