What happened
On 16 June 2017, a Eurofox 912(1), registered G-ONIK, was performing a private flight at Cobbs Cross Airstrip in Worcestershire. While approaching the home airstrip, the pilot observed the windsock from the air, noting a steady 7 kt wind. The pilot entered a downwind circuit and proceeded on a stable final approach.
As the aircraft reached approximately 200 m from the runway threshold, the pilot noticed the windsock had lost its inflation and was hanging limp. This change in wind conditions contributed to the aircraft arriving at the threshold with an airspeed higher than usual, causing the plane to bounce and float along the runway.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, a powerful gust from the right side lifted the aircraft's wing, which simultaneously reduced the airspeed and drifted the aircraft toward the left side of the runway. The left wing subsequently struck a tree, leading to a further loss of speed and a resulting stall that caused the aircraft to impact the ground.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the approach, the atmospheric conditions at the time of the incident, and the flight path during the aborted landing attempt. The pilot, who held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 309 total flying hours, was uninjured in the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the airframe.
- A sudden loss of wind indicated by the windsock suggested a shift in local wind conditions just prior to touchdown.
- The primary cause of the accident was a strong gust from the right during the go-around maneuver, which induced a wing lift and subsequent loss of airspeed.