What happened
On 3 June 2018, an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar SL, registration G-CGPS, was performing a private flight near Lichfield, Staffordshire. While returning to land on the 500-metre grass runway at Sittles Farm, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the final approach.
The pilot had deployed the first stage of flaps during the base leg and intended to deploy the second stage upon turning onto final. During the flare, the aircraft floated and failed to settle on the runway. In an attempt to touchdown, the pilot applied downward pressure, resulting in a firm touchdown and a subsequent bounce. As the aircraft drifted left, the pilot applied heavy braking, which led to the left wing contacting the adjacent rapeseed crops. This contact caused the aircraft to swing, resulting in the collapse of the right landing gear and damage to the right wing, propeller, and canopy.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the sequence of events and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot believed the aircraft was traveling too fast on final approach. Crucially, the investigation found that only one stage of flap had been successfully deployed, despite the pilot's attempt to select the second stage. The pilot suspected that the flap lever failed to engage the second setting, causing the mechanism to revert to the first stage.
Findings
- The aircraft floated during the flare because it was traveling at a higher speed than expected.
- The pilot's attempt to force the aircraft onto the runway caused a bounce.
- The failure to deploy the second stage of flaps contributed to the high approach speed.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around after the initial float or the subsequent bounce.