Accident Overview
On 28 August 2017 at 1014 UTC, a single-engine Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar (registration G-CCBK, year of manufacture 2003, serial number PFA 315-14025) operated by a private pilot sustained damage during a landing at Harthill Court Farm, Gloucestershire. The aircraft was powered by one Rotax 912-UL piston engine.
Flight Details
There was one crew member on board and no passengers. The pilot, aged 65, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 632 hours of total flying experience, of which 260 hours were on type. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he had flown 9 hours; in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was landing at a field site with approximately 320 m of landing run available. The wind was light, and the pilot estimated its direction by observing a nearby wind turbine. He described the approach conditions as “a bit thermic” and acknowledged he was “a bit fast.” The aircraft touched down about 100 m into the field, leaving a remaining landing run of 220 m. During the landing roll, the pilot believed he may have encountered a light tailwind and felt the aircraft was “unsettled.” Concerned about performing a go-around due to 40 ft trees at the overrun end of the field, he elected to steer the aircraft toward a gap in the hedge. The aircraft came to a stop on top of the hedge, sustaining damage to both wing leading edges, the propeller tips, the right side flaps, and the nosewheel (bent back). Possible damage to the rear spar and main landing gear mounting was also reported. The pilot was not injured.
Performance Considerations
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft specifies a braked landing distance of 260 m. Although the landing was made uphill, which would improve deceleration, the POH does not provide a factoring adjustment for the slope. The pilot stated he had not carried out any landing performance calculations for this landing because he used the field frequently. CAA Safety Sense leaflet 07 offers guidance on performance planning for general aviation pilots.
Investigation Source
Information for this report was derived from the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and published in the AAIB Bulletin (11/2017, reference EW/G2017/08/28).