History of the Flight
On 28 September 2017, the pilot and passenger of a Europa aircraft, registration G-MIME, arrived at Grove Farm in Warwickshire around 1400 hours. Witnesses indicated the flight was intended to overfly a local worksite. Radar data showed the aircraft took off from Runway 29 at 1443 hours, completed a circuit, and made an approach back to the same runway. Shortly after 1500 hours, witnesses saw the pilot and passenger in the farmyard severely burned; the aircraft had passed through the hedge at the end of Runway 29 and come to rest in the field beyond.
Accident Site and Aircraft Condition
The aircraft landed a significant distance down the runway and could not stop. It passed through a thick, four-foot-high hedge and a shallow ditch, coming to rest approximately 10 meters beyond the hedge. The aircraft was on the ground and turning slightly left when it contacted the hedge; the right wingtip hit first, slewing the aircraft back toward the runway centerline. The internally mounted flap drive crosstube detached during the hedge impact, and the first signs of fire appeared nearby. The engine and firewall remained upright, but the rest of the aircraft inverted, with substantial disruption in the cockpit area. A post-impact fire burned for over 30 minutes, destroying or severely damaging most of the aircraft, including the fuselage, empennage, and inboard wings and flaps. The propeller blades had all broken off, and their condition indicated they were not under power at impact.
Runway and Touchdown Marks
The 350-meter grass runway at Grove Farm was in good condition with short grass and a firm surface. A touchdown mark from the single mainwheel was found approximately 73 meters from the start of Runway 29, indicating a firm touchdown followed by a bounce. Subsequent ground marks were present but the exact touchdown point could not be identified.
Recorded Information
No aircraft avionics survived the fire, but radar data showed the circuit at a height of 485±50 feet above airfield level (QNH 1017 hPa, runway elevation 380 ft).
Aircraft Information
G-MIME was a 2001 amateur-built Europa mono‑wheel version with a Rotax 912 ULS engine and an electrically controlled variable‑pitch propeller. The fuel system featured a 60-liter main tank and 8-liter reserve, with an approved modification installing two electric fuel pumps and automatic reserve changeover. The aircraft did not have water drain valves at fuel tank outlets but had a gascolator. It was operated on E5 MOGAS, though no inspection or certification documents for its use were found. The battery and engine generator supplied electrical power. The Certificate of Validity expired on 21 October 2017; inspections for renewal had been completed but not submitted. The LAA inspector described the aircraft as 'nice and well looked after.'
Engine and Propeller Examination
The engine was disassembled and inspected; no anomalies affecting performance were found, but ancillary components were too fire‑damaged to examine. The propeller was in the fine pitch position, normal for takeoff and landing.
Survivability
The pilot and passenger survived the accident but suffered extensive burns from the post‑impact fire, which was not survivable.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL(A)), was 55 years old, and had 546 total flying hours (48 on type). He had flown 12 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days. He was familiar with operating microlights at Grove Farm but less so in the Europa, though his instructor felt he had adapted well. On the day, he did not contact Coventry ATC, and no distress call was heard. Toxicology results were negative except for drugs from post‑accident treatment; carbon monoxide test was negative.
Airfield Information
Grove Farm is a grass strip orientated 110°/290°M, 350 m long at 380 ft elevation. Circuits are flown at 500 ft agl. Airfield guides warn of a 4‑ft hedge on approach to Runway 11 (departure end of Runway 29). Large trees near the strip may cause turbulence on short finals to Runway 29 with southerly winds.
Weight and Balance
The actual fuel load could not be confirmed, so the exact weight and balance could not be determined. The aircraft empty weight was 392 kg; maximum takeoff and landing weight is 621 kg.