What happened
On 16 September 2017, a Eurofox 912, registration G-CIPS, was conducting a private flight at a farm landing strip located at Haringe Court, east of Ashford, Kent. During the approach, the pilot observed sheep positioned approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway. Because the animals appeared to be moving away from the approaching aircraft and the initial section of the strip was unobstructed, the pilot proceeded with the landing.
However, as the aircraft made contact with the ground, a sheep ran onto the runway path. The pilot initiated a go-around procedure to avoid the animal. As the aircraft began to lift off, the left wheel collided with the sheep. The impact was severe enough to cause the left landing gear leg to shear off, leaving the wheel and gear assembly suspended only by the brake hose.
Following the collision, the pilot completed a circuit of the airfield. Upon attempting a subsequent landing, the aircraft slewed to the left, eventually striking a fence before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, left wing, spinner, cowlings, and propeller.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events regarding the presence of livestock on the landing strip and the pilot's decision-making during the approach and subsequent go-around. The investigation confirmed the mechanical failure of the gear leg was a direct result of the impact with the sheep.