What happened
On 27 April 2008, a Piper PA12, registration EI-CMN, was performing a private cross-country flight when it encountered difficulties during its approach to Birr Airfield. While descending toward the grass runway, the aircraft experienced intense buffeting at approximately 300 feet, which compromised the pilot's ability to maintain a straight flight path.
Following a three-point landing, the aircraft bounced and began drifting toward the right side of the runway. Despite the pilot's efforts to correct the deviation using rudder and aileron inputs, the drift persisted. In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a heavy wooden post used for the runway's electric perimeter fencing. The impact was severe enough to shatter the wooden propeller and cause the engine to detach from its bulkhead mounting. The aircraft's momentum carried it roughly 30 feet into a nearby field before coming to a stop. The pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the initial buffeting to the collision. Investigators examined the aircraft's flight path, the impact with the perimeter post, and the resulting structural damage. The inquiry also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the specific maneuvers performed during the landing and subsequent go-around attempt.