What happened
On 20 May 2023, a Czaw Sportcruiser, registration G-DVOY, was performing a private flight at Bute Airfield in Scotland. During the approach to Runway 27, the pilot encountered a localized rain shower that had recently passed over the unlicensed grass strip. Due to the wet conditions and the length of the grass, the pilot found it difficult to visually distinguish the runway from the surrounding airfield area. Relying on mental imagery from previous flights, the pilot aligned the aircraft for landing.
The aircraft touched down approximately 250 metres from the end of the 480-metre runway. The touchdown speed was roughly 56 knots, which was approximately 10 knots higher than the pilot's typical landing speed. Although the pilot initially believed the aircraft would stop as it usually did, the plane failed to decelerate sufficiently. Attempts to apply brakes resulted in a slight skid to the right.
As the aircraft continued down the strip, it encountered rough ground, causing the nose leg to detach. The aircraft eventually collided with the airfield boundary fence at approximately 20 knots. The impact caused the left wing leading edge to rupture, structural damage to the main undercarriage, and the destruction of the propeller and spinner. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, exited the aircraft safely after securing the cockpit.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the condition of the airfield, and the pilot's decision-making process. Investigators noted that the grass strip was long and soaking wet following recent rainfall. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's mechanical state following the impact with the fence.