What happened
On July 2, 2020, a student pilot was performing a solo training flight at Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, intended to practice landing circuits. The aircraft, a Eurostar EV-97 with registration OH-U4XB, was undergoing its second solo flight. After completing a pre-flight inspection and receiving takeoff clearance, the pilot began the takeoff roll on runway 24.
As the pilot applied full power, the aircraft experienced a strong leftward yaw. This was caused by a combination of the propeller slipstream effect and a left crosswind component of up to 7 knots. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the direction using the rudder and nosewheel steering, the aircraft veered toward the edge of the 45-meter-wide runway. The aircraft left tire marks on the runway edge before exiting onto the adjacent grass area at a speed of approximately 60–70 km/h.
The aircraft continued to travel on the grass, eventually striking a ditch approximately 100 meters from the runway. At this point, the nosewheel collapsed, causing the propeller blade to strike the ground and the engine cowling to sustain damage. The pilot managed to stop the aircraft by cutting the ignition, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The OTKES investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the cockpit ergonomics, and the pilot's actions. Investigators found no mechanical failures in the aircraft's systems. The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff roll and the pilot's response to the loss of directional control.
Physical evidence showed that the left rudder pedal was depressed further than normal, and the left rudder cable had detached from the pedal during the nosewheel collapse. The investigation also reviewed the cockpit setup, noting that the pedal angle can be adjusted, which can lead to accidental brake application if not properly configured for the pilot's leg length.
Findings
- Loss of directional control: The primary cause of the excursion was the pilot's inability to maintain the centerline during a high-power takeoff in crosswind conditions. The sudden application of full power created a significant leftward yawing moment, exacerbated by the left crosswind.
- Failure to reduce power: The pilot did not immediately reduce engine power to idle once the aircraft began to deviate from the runway. The engine remained at full power throughout the excursion onto the grass.
- Cockpit ergonomics: The investigation noted that improper pedal adjustment can lead to the accidental application of the toe brakes, particularly for taller pilots.
- Manual handling: The investigation highlighted that the power lever on the Eurostar EV-97 requires a specific grip to release a locking button, a skill that requires practice to ensure rapid power reduction during emergencies.