What happened
On 20 June 2015, a Dynamic WT9 UK, registration G-SJPI, was conducting a private flight when an accident occurred during the landing phase at an airstrip located near Bourne, Lincolnshire. As the aircraft was decelerating during the landing roll, the left wing made contact with crops situated at the edge of the runway. This impact caused the aircraft to swing toward the left side of the strip, subsequently resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear and damage to the right flap.
There were two occupants on board, the pilot and one passenger. Neither person sustained any injuries, and both were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination established that the pilot may have landed the aircraft too far to the left of the runway centerline. The investigation also noted the environmental conditions of the airfield, specifically that crops were growing in close proximity to the runway edge.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the left wing contacting crops at the side of the runway at low speed.
- The contact with the crops induced a leftward swing of the aircraft.
- The resulting lateral movement led to the collapse of the right main landing gear.
- The operation took place at an unlicensed aerodrome, where the proximity of vegetation to the runway edge presented a specific operational hazard.