Accident Overview
On 16 August 2015 at 0800 UTC, an Aeroprakt A22-L Foxbat, registration G-PHOX, sustained damage during a landing at a private airfield near Oldbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire. The aircraft was operated as a private flight with a single pilot and no passengers.
Sequence of Events
The pilot conducted two overflights of the site to confirm the runway was clear. During the flare, the aircraft struck two sheep, one of which was killed. The impact detached the left main landing gear from the aircraft. The aircraft then skidded along the ground on the damaged nose landing gear and the right main landing gear before coming to a halt. The pilot made the aircraft safe and vacated through the normal door without injury.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 2008 (serial number PFA 317A-14635), was powered by a single Rotax 912ULS piston engine. The pilot, aged 69, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 1,003 total flying hours, including 452 hours on type. His flying experience in the last 90 days was 25 hours, and in the last 28 days, 17 hours.
Context and Contributing Factors
The airfield is located in a meadow used for grazing sheep. Normally, an electric fence would protect the runway, but it was not operational at the time. Additionally, the pilot stated that, contrary to his normal practice, he had not contacted the land owner before arriving.
Damage
The nose landing gear, left main landing gear, and the fuselage attachment point sustained damage. The right main landing gear was used during the skid but not listed as damaged.
Injuries
No injuries were reported among the pilot.
Investigation Source
This information is derived from the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and additional enquiries by the AAIB, as documented in AAIB Bulletin 12/2015 (EW/G2015/08/22).