AAIB investigation to Airbus A321-231, G-WUKG
Slow response to aft side stick control input at rotation, London Luton Airport, 16 January 2020.
Summary:
The aircraft was departing from Runway 26 at London Luton Airport, but when the PF made a normal aft movement of the side stick control at rotation airspeed, the aircraft did not pitch up. The PF increased the side stick input close to the maximum deflection. When the aircraft still did not pitch up, the PM selected TOGA thrust. The aircraft responded and a climb was commenced with the flight continuing to the planned destination of Prague Airport, Czech Republic.
An aircraft change had been made for operational reasons from an Airbus A320 aircraft (A320) to an Airbus A321 aircraft (A321), but no adjustment had been made to the passenger distribution. This led to the passengers being seated towards the front of the aircraft, placing the CG outside the forward limit of the permitted operating envelope.
Following this event, the operator took action to: highlight this event to its staff and improve their understanding of the issues raised; and improve the flow of information between operational departments when there is a change of aircraft type to reduce the risk that a similar event would occur in the future.
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