What happened
On 29 October 2016, a Flitzer Z-1S, registration G-ECVZ, was conducting a private flight when an incident occurred near Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk. Following a standard touchdown, the pilot observed the aircraft beginning to swing towards the right. In an attempt to correct this movement, the pilot applied left rudder and a burst of power.
As the swing persisted, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around by applying full power. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear struck the upper edge of a ditch. This impact caused the aircraft to overturn, coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained no injuries and was able to egress the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events leading to the aircraft's loss of control and the resulting structural damage. The aircraft, a 2015 model powered by a single Ulpower UL260I engine, sustained significant damage, including a broken upper right wing spar, a bent landing gear, and structural damage to the fuselage. The investigation relied on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot.