What happened
On 4 May 2003, a Grumman AA-5 Traveller, registration G-BCLI, was performing a private flight takeoff from Runway 26 at Elstree Airfield, Hertfordshire. At the time of the incident, the wind was reported at 180 degrees at 15 knots, resulting in a crosswind component for the aircraft's departure.
The takeoff roll proceeded normally until the aircraft reached a speed of 60 knots, at which point the pilot initiated rotation. An observer noted that the rotation appeared more aggressive than usual. Shortly after rotation, at an altitude of approximately 10 feet, the right wing dropped and the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway.
In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot applied left aileron, which prevented the right wing from striking the ground. However, the aircraft traveled approximately 40 metres from the rotation point before impacting a grassy area to the right of the runway. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse, leading to propeller damage and a dent in the left wing. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board, and all occupants evacuated the aircraft safely after the engine was shut down.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions, the aircraft's performance during rotation, and the pilot's actions. The investigation considered the pilot's own assessment, which suggested that an unexpected change in wind direction during the rotation or a potential aerodynamic stall might have contributed to the loss of control.