What happened
On 3 September 2011, a Vans RV-6A, registration G-RVNI, was performing a private flight from Causeway Airfield in Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland. During the takeoff roll on Runway 16, the pilot applied full power, and the aircraft began accelerating along the grass runway. The pilot utilized right rudder to maintain the correct heading as the aircraft gained speed.
As the aircraft reached approximately 55 kt, the pilot attempted to rotate the aircraft by applying backpressure to the control column. However, the aircraft pitched up in an uncontrolled manner. This sudden pitch-up caused the aircraft to veer to the right, eventually exiting the runway and passing through a fence before coming to a stop in a nearby field. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the nose and wings. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the accident report submitted by the pilot, focused on the aircraft's behavior during the rotation phase. The pilot noted that the takeoff run initially appeared normal. The investigation examined the physical conditions of the runway surface and the pilot's inputs during the critical moment of liftoff.
Findings
- The pilot lacked significant experience operating from grass runways.
- The aircraft pitched up uncontrollably due to the nosewheel striking an undulation in the runway surface as backpressure was applied to the control column.