Accident Overview
On 16 February 2016 at approximately 1115 UTC, a Cessna F172M Skyhawk (registration G-BEZR, year of manufacture 1976, serial number 1395) operated by a private pilot experienced an accident during landing at Bembridge Airport, Isle of Wight. The aircraft was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2D piston engine.
Flight and Landing
The pilot had completed a local flight and elected to land on Runway 30, citing its uphill gradient. The reported wind conditions were 180° at 5 knots, variable. The landing and initial rollout were uneventful.
Loss of Control
As the pilot began applying brakes while passing abeam of a large hangar to the south, the left wing rose. The aircraft then weathercocked to the left and departed the left side of the runway. The pilot regained control but, while manoeuvring back toward the runway, the nosewheel sank into soft ground. The aircraft turned over onto its back.
Occupant Safety and Injuries
The pilot and two passengers were on board. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the passengers reported no injuries. The pilot and one passenger were wearing lap strap and diagonal harnesses; the other passenger used only a lap strap. All three vacated the aircraft through the normal exit without serious injury.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft suffered extensive damage: the engine was shock-loaded, the propeller bent, wing struts bent, rear fuselage and fin disrupted, and the windscreen and one cabin window broken.
Pilot Comments
The pilot noted that the wind was "not difficult" but suggested that a brief, sharp movement during rollout could have been due to a "sudden gust" or "windshear," possibly associated with the wind direction and the position of the hangar.
Investigation
The information was submitted by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form. The commander held a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence, was 64 years old, and had 303 total flying hours, with 123 hours on type and only 3 hours in the last 90 days.