What happened
On 14 June 2014, a Gemini Flash IIA, registration G-MVJE, was performing a private flight at Otherton Airfield in Staffordshire. During the landing phase on the grass runway 07, the pilot encountered an uneven section of the surface, described as a bump or a dip. This impact caused the aircraft to drift toward the left side of the runway.
As the pilot attempted to correct the aircraft's direction, a gust of wind originating from the right side lifted the right wing. This sudden aerodynamic change induced a left-hand roll. In the ensuing attempt to steer, the aircraft tipped sufficiently to cause the nose and the left wing to make contact with the ground. The pilot, who was equipped with a protective helmet and a lap harness, escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the environmental conditions at the time of the accident, noting a reported wind speed of 10 mph from the south-east. The examination focused on the sequence of aerodynamic inputs and the physical state of the runway surface during the landing roll.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the left wing, as well as damage to the nose and nosewheel.
- The accident was driven by the combination of uneven runway terrain and gusting crosswind conditions.