What happened
On 10 August 2020, an Aeroprakt A22-LS Foxbat, registration G-FXBA, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase at Holmbeck Farm Airfield, Buckinghamshire. The weather conditions were characterized by good visibility and a temperature of 33°C, with a light southeasterly wind.
As the aircraft was approximately 5 to 10 feet above the ground, it experienced an unexpected climb of roughly 10 feet. Following this upward movement, the aircraft descended sharply and struck the runway with significant force. The aircraft bounced before making a second contact, which occurred on the nosewheel. This second impact caused the nosewheel to collapse and dig into the turf. Consequently, the aircraft pitched forward and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, was able to shut down the aircraft systems and exit the cockpit with help from bystanders.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the impact and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot suggested that the sudden climb might have been triggered by a thermal effect due to the high ambient temperature or a gust of wind. While the pilot reported making no deliberate control inputs during the climb, witnesses observed that the pilot may have instinctively applied nose-down pitch to counteract the upward movement.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered damage to its wings, tailplane, propeller, and nosewheel.
- The primary factor in the accident was the failure to initiate a go-around immediately following the unexpected climb.
- The high temperature of 33°C likely contributed to atmospheric instability or thermal effects near the ground.