What happened
On 28 September 2017, a Europa aircraft, registration G-MIME, was involved in a fatal accident at Grove Farm, Wolvey, Warwickshire. The flight, which was intended to be a local sightseeing trip, took off from Runway 29 and performed a short circuit.
During the landing phase, the aircraft touched down approximately 73 metres from the start of the runway. The impact was firm, causing the aircraft to become airborne again before a second touchdown occurred. The aircraft failed to stop within the remaining runway length, overshooting the end of the strip and striking a four-foot-high hedge. The impact caused the aircraft to pass through the hedge and into a shallow ditch. Following the collision, a post-impact fire broke out, which burned for over 30 minutes. While both the pilot and the passenger survived the initial impact, they both subsequently died from the burns they sustained.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and the airfield environment. The investigation found that the aircraft was a mono-wheel version of the Europa and was operating at a weight likely near its maximum. The engine, a Rotax 912 ULS, was inspected, and no mechanical anomalies were found that would have prevented normal operation. The propeller was found in the fine pitch position, and evidence suggested the engine was at low power during the collision with the hedge.
Investigators also reviewed the airfield conditions, noting that a southerly wind was blowing perpendicular to the runway, which could have caused turbulence near the runway threshold. The investigation also looked into the use of E5 MOGAS fuel and the aircraft's maintenance records, noting that while the aircraft was eligible for this fuel type, the necessary verification of fuel system compatibility had not been documented.
Findings
- The aircraft touched down significantly further down the runway than intended, bounced, and then touched down again with insufficient distance to stop.
- The aircraft struck a hedge at the end of the runway, which likely caused damage to the fuel system.
- A post-impact fire was ignited by a spark from the damaged electrical system, which then consumed the escaping fuel.
- Turbulence caused by wind crossing nearby trees may have affected the aircraft's touchdown point.
- There was no evidence of a technical fault or a specific reason why the pilot transitioned immediately from takeoff to a landing approach.