What happened
On December 15, 2018, a pilot operating a Europa Aviation Limited Europa, registered PH-BGV, attempted a local pleasure flight from Hilversum airfield. During the initial climb, the aircraft exhibited a steep climb angle and subsequently stalled at a low altitude with a significant wing drop. The resulting crash was fatal and led to the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's control inputs during the critical takeoff phase. Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the environmental conditions, including the potential for gusty winds. The inquiry specifically looked into the tailplane trim settings and the possibility of technical anomalies or human error regarding the trim indicator.
Findings
Technical analysis revealed that the tailplane trim was not set for takeoff; instead, it was positioned for a full aircraft nosedown configuration. While the exact reason for this incorrect setting remains uncertain, the investigation identified a technical anomaly in the trim indicator or a human procedural error as the most likely causes. This incorrect trim created an abnormal nose-down tendency during the ground roll, which required significant backward stick force to counteract. The pilot's attempt to manage this unusual control feel likely resulted in an abrupt backward pull of the stick, causing an unintended over-rotation and a steep, high-angle climb at low airspeed, which ultimately led to the stall.