AAIB investigation to Europa XS, G-XSDJ

Damaged during takeoff attempt, Lundy Island Airfield, 31 July 2016.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 8 December 2016

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 31 July 2016
• Aircraft type: Europa XS
• Location: Lundy Island Airfield, Devon
• Registration: G-XSDJ

Summary:

During a takeoff attempt from the somewhat stony and uneven strip, the mainwheel struck a ridge in the surface of the strip, projecting the aircraft into the air before it had reached flying speed. It then descended and struck another bump. The second impact resulted in a propeller strike, detaching two of the propeller blades and the impact forces caused significant structural damage to the lower fuselage immediately in front of the wing leading edge.

Download report:

Europa XS, G-XSDJ 12-16

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 8 December 2016