What happened
On 8 April 2018, a Creasey RJ Easy Raider J2.2(2), registration G-CBKF, was conducting a private flight when the pilot attempted to land at a short, level area on Coombs Farm, Goodleigh, Devon. The chosen landing site was situated at the top of a 20-degree upslope.
During the approach, the pilot deployed the first stage of flaps and prepared to fly parallel to the slope. While attempting to reduce power just before touchdown, the pilot inadvertently manipulated the pitch trim control instead of the throttle, as the two controls were identical in shape and size and positioned closely together.
Realising the error, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, during the attempt to clear a row of trees at the edge of the field, the aircraft entered a stall and fell vertically into the wooded area. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the right landing gear, and the right wing. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the cockpit layout, specifically noting that the pitch trim control and the throttle were identical in size and shape, with the trim control located just inboard of the throttle. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flying experience and the circumstances surrounding the flight maneuvers leading to the stall.