What happened
On 23 August 2016, an Aircreation Flexwing BioniX Tanarg 912ES, registration SP-MTKI, was performing a private flight at Popham Airfield in Hampshire. While the pilot was executing a landing on Runway 21, the aircraft was experiencing a wind from the left side of the runway.
As the aircraft descended to a height of less than one metre above the ground, it encountered sudden and violent air movement. This turbulence caused the aircraft to rotate toward the right. Following this loss of directional control, the aircraft touched down on its side and subsequently rolled over. While the pilot escaped without injury, the aircraft suffered extensive damage to its propeller and wings.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing approach and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident.