What happened
On 28 May 1999, a Lancair 320, registration G-FOPP, was performing a private flight at Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The aircraft, which had been constructed from a kit purchased in 1992 and completed earlier that year, was being operated by an experienced test pilot for its inaugural flight.
During the takeoff roll, a right-hand wind effectively balanced the torque reaction, requiring minimal rudder input. As the aircraft reached 65 kt, the pilot began the rotation process. However, immediately upon the nosewheel losing contact with the runway, the aircraft experienced a violent shimme. This was followed by a sudden downward pitch of the nose. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot applied full aft stick and closed the throttle, but the aircraft settled onto its nose and slid along the runway until it came to a stop. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine, cowling, and engine supports, and the nosewheel collapsed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical cause of the sudden instability during rotation. Investigators examined the oleo-pneumatic nose strut, which contains the shimmy damper. It was determined that the strut installed on G-FOPP was an obsolete version that had been phased out due to known shimmy issues.
While the part number (GM 14) was identical to the newer, improved version, the two components were produced by different manufacturers and possessed distinct external appearances. The faulty strut was identified as being manufactured by 'AROTEK' of Washington State, USA, whereas the updated replacement version is produced by 'ESCO'. The kit manufacturer confirmed that their records indicate no other customers are currently in possession of this discontinued 'AROTEK' standard strut.