What happened
On 24 November 2013, a Savannah Jabiru(5), registration G-CECK, was performing a private flight departing from a short, 290-metre runway at Palmer Moor Farm, Ashbourne. During the takeoff roll on Runway 27, the pilot configured the aircraft with one stage of flaps and applied full power.
As the aircraft reached approximately 40 kt, the pilot initiated the rotation. While the aircraft initially lifted off, the pilot observed a lack of response in the roll axis and noted a drift toward the right side of the runway. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied left rudder and lowered the nose. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall, causing the left wing to impact the ground. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, the landing gear, and the left wing.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions and the aircraft's performance during the departure. The pilot noted that the wind was initially from the northwest but believed the wind had veered to the north during the takeoff sequence. This change in wind direction was thought to have caused a loss of airspeed.
Data regarding the aircraft's aerodynamic limits were also reviewed. According to the BMAA Homebuilt Aircraft Data Sheet for the MXP-740 Savannah, the stalling speed for this aircraft type ranges between 28 kt and 35 kt, depending on the specific center of gravity configuration.