What happened
On 18 July 2000, a Rans S6-116, registration G-IZIT, was performing a private local area flight departing from a farm strip located near Wickford, Essex. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft became airborne slightly earlier than the pilot had anticipated. Shortly after leaving the ground, the engine experienced a momentary loss of power.
As the aircraft's airspeed decreased, it descended from an altitude of approximately 8 to 10 feet, making contact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently overran the airstrip and came to a stop against a bank at the end of the runway. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to tip forward onto its nose and resulted in the collapse of the wings. The engine was also displaced rearwards during the event. The two occupants, wearing lap and shoulder restraints, were able to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events following the takeoff and the subsequent impact with the bank. The assessment focused on the engine's performance during the initial climb and the physical damage sustained by the airframe, specifically the structural failure of the wings and the displacement of the Rotax 912-UL engine.