Accident Details
On 5 September 2015 at approximately 1200 UTC, a Cirrus SR22, registration N124CP, was on a private flight approaching Runway 04 at Great Massingham Airfield, Norfolk. The pilot, aged 64, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 1,339 hours total flying experience, including 27 hours on the Cirrus SR22. The aircraft was manufactured in 2008 and powered by a single Continental Motors IO-550-N piston engine.
The pilot reported a stable approach at 80 kt in good visibility, with a wind from 340° at 15 kt. During the flare, the aircraft encountered "unstable air and windshear," causing a wing to drop. Attempts to correct with flight controls were insufficient, and the aircraft "grounded," resulting in a collapse of the nose landing gear. The aircraft subsequently departed the runway to the left, coming to rest in a ploughed field.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, propeller, nose cowling, and wing. The pilot and two passengers, all wearing full harnesses, were not injured.
Pilot Report
The pilot attributed the loss of control to unstable air at low level, originating from localised terrain. He noted that he had previously landed at Great Massingham on Runway 22 but not on Runway 04.