What happened
On 15 December 2013, a Taylor Titch, registration G-BABE, was performing a private flight from Netherthorpe Airfield in Nottinghamshire. During the takeoff roll on the grass runway, the aircraft reached rotation and became airborne approximately one-third of the way down the available runway length.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of roughly 12 feet, a gust of wind originating from the left side caused the aircraft to roll toward the right. This maneuver resulted in the right wingtip making contact with the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel before coming to a stop in a field located approximately 20 yards to the right of the runway. The impact was severe enough that the wings detached from the fuselage. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the wreckage through a breach in the lower fuselage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the takeoff and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation noted a discrepancy in wind observations; while the pilot reported a wind speed of 4 kt from 200º, other observers at the airfield estimated the wind strength to be approximately 10 kt. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's condition and the takeoff parameters on the grass surface.