AAIB investigation to Europa, G-BVOW
Loss of control on takeoff, MOD Boscombe Down, 27 December 2018.
Summary:
The pilot planned to perform some circuits on the grass Runway 35. The weather was fine and the wind was calm. During the takeoff roll, as the airspeed reached approximately 40 kt, the tail lifted and the aircraft began deviating to the left. The pilot reported applying right rudder, but the aircraft continued to deviate to the left, transitioning from the grass to a tarmac section, after which it rotated further to the left. The pilot was wearing a full harness and was uninjured.
On this aircraft type, the effect of the propeller slipstream means that right rudder is required to maintain the aircraft heading. Once the aircraft lifts from its tailwheel, it balances only on its mainwheel and this slipstream effect becomes more prominent. The pilot considered that his application of right rudder was insufficient or not quick enough to arrest the deviation to the left.
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