History of the Flight
On 22 October 2018 at 1553 UTC, the pilot was flying G-CESI from RNAS Yeovilton to Colwall Farm in Herefordshire with one passenger. Visibility was good with no significant cloud and a light northerly breeze. Following a normal approach to the north-easterly runway, the pilot flared the aircraft but the tailwheel struck a recently felled tree trunk, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and land on its nosewheel. The nose landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid to a halt. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the aircraft without injury.
Contributing Factors
Prior to the flight, the pilot was aware that the tree had been felled recently and that the remains might present a hazard. However, the remaining tree trunk was obscured on approach by a hedgerow. The pilot reported that he had flown a lower approach than previously because the tree was no longer present; this brought his aiming point closer to the hedge. He further reported that low sun made the field appear shorter, which encouraged him to land as short as possible. The shorter landing caused the aircraft to clip the obscured tree trunk. Additionally, the pilot thought that a recent family bereavement may have affected his capacity during this flight.
Aircraft and Pilot Details
The aircraft was an Aeroprakt A22-L Foxbat, registration G-CESI, manufactured in 2007, with one Rotax 912ULS piston engine. The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence, was 63 years old, and had a total flying experience of 531 hours, of which 185 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 4 hours. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, propeller, firewall, and tail wheel.
Damage
Damage to the nose landing gear, propeller, firewall, and tail wheel.