What happened
On 10 April 2010, a Laverda Super Falco IV, registered EI-BMF, departed Powerscourt Airfield for a local flight. The aircraft was operated by a private owner accompanied by one passenger. The flight path initially headed east and then south toward Gorey under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), before the crew attempted to return to the departure airfield. Weather conditions during the flight were favorable, characterized by light, variable winds from the southeast.
At Powerscourt, the runway layout features a slope that necessitates taking off downhill on Runway 12 and landing uphill on the reciprocal Runway 30. This specific operational procedure is only viable during calm or light wind conditions. During the return leg, the aircraft approached Runway 30 for landing with its undercarriage extended. However, at a low altitude just before touchdown, the pilot initiated a go-around.
During this aborted landing, the aircraft continued along the runway centerline, passing the runway threshold at a low altitude. After crossing a local access road and the perimeter fence of the adjacent golf course, the left wing struck the upper branches of a tree located roughly 71 meters past the runway end. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground with its left wingtip and underwent a second, more violent impact, eventually coming to rest upside down approximately 133 meters beyond the tree. A post-impact fire fueled by aircraft fuel destroyed much of the airframe. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
The AAIU conducted a technical examination of the aircraft wreckage and the powerplant. The inquiry also focused on the operational suitability of Powerscourt Airfield for light aircraft, specifically regarding the challenges posed by the runway's gradient and the risks associated with the takeoff/landing procedures required by the slope.
Safety action
Due to concerns regarding the safety of the airfield for light aircraft operations, the investigation issued an interim safety recommendation to the landowner to suspend all operations at Powerscourt Airfield until the investigation's conclusion. The landowner responded by confirming the suspension of all activities and the installation of runway closure markings.