Accident Details
On 3 September 2011 at 1415 UTC, a Van's RV-6A aircraft, registration G-RVNI, was involved in an accident during takeoff at Causeway Airfield, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The aircraft was manufactured in 2008 and was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D2A piston engine. The flight was a private operation with one pilot and one passenger on board. Both occupants were uninjured and were able to exit the aircraft without assistance. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the nose and wings.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after lining up on Runway 16, he applied full power and the aircraft began to accelerate along the runway. The takeoff run appeared to be progressing normally, with right rudder applied to maintain the runway heading. As the aircraft's speed approached 55 knots, the pilot applied backpressure to the control column to raise the nose. However, the aircraft pitched up uncontrollably. It then veered to the right, passed through a fence, and came to rest in a field adjacent to the airfield.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot attributed the accident to a lack of experience in operating from grass runways and the possibility that the nosewheel struck an undulation in the runway surface as back pressure was applied to the control column.
Investigation Notes
The information for this report was derived from an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. No further investigation or analysis was conducted by the AAIB.