Flight Details
The pilot carried out an overhead join to the airfield and was high on final approach to Runway 29. The wind was estimated at 5 to 10 kt from 270° to 330°. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at a speed the pilot described as "a bit fast", possibly 65 to 70 kt. It then bounced on touchdown. The owner's manual specifies a final approach speed of 60 to 65 kt and a touchdown speed of 45 to 50 kt. The pilot applied power to go around, but the aircraft touched down again to the left of the runway. Directional control was lost due to long grass. The aircraft came to rest in a drainage ditch. The pilot shut down the engine and exited via the left side. The pilot was uninjured.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft was a Europa, registration G-IKRK, year of manufacture 2002 (serial number PFA 247-12903). It was powered by one Rotax 912ULS piston engine. Damage included the propeller, leading edge of the left wing, lower cowling, and exhaust stub.
Pilot Details
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, aged 55, with 564 hours total flying experience, of which 412 hours were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 13 hours, and in the last 28 days, 6 hours.
Additional Information
Another Europa, G-JHYS, went off the runway in a similar position approximately 35 minutes earlier, as noted in the same AAIB bulletin.