Accident Sequence
On 27 June 2015 at 1615 UTC, a single-engine Auster J1N Alpha (registration G-AHSS, serial no. 2136) conducted a private flight to Great Massingham Airfield, Norfolk. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported a normal approach to Runway 28 into wind. After landing, the aircraft began to drift to the left. The pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from leaving the paved surface and entering long grass adjacent to the runway. The left landing gear then contacted large stones that were not visible to the pilot. The contact caused the aircraft to tip forward abruptly, and the propeller struck the ground. When the aircraft fell back onto its landing gear, further damage occurred to the tail and fuselage. The engine had stopped by this point. The pilot secured the aircraft and vacated it normally.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Auster J1N Alpha was manufactured in 1946 and was powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major I piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence and was 72 years old. His total flying experience was 399 hours, of which 375 hours were on the type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he had flown 8 hours; in the 28 days prior, 5 hours.
Damage
The damage included the propeller, cowlings, exhaust, tail, and the spring connecting the wheel mount.
Pilot Comments
The pilot speculated that the initial drift was probably caused by a gust of wind and that, having relaxed after landing, he was too slow in his response. He believed that he should have applied power and initiated a go‑around as soon as the drift began.