What happened
On 2 August 2020, a Groppo Trail Mk 2, registration G-RJIT, was performing a private flight at Roche Airfield in Cornwall. The pilot had completed three successful flights earlier that day, including two familiarisation sessions with an instructor and a solo trip to Bodmin Air and an attempt to return to Roche.
During the approach to Runway 29, the aircraft was at approximately 30 ft above ground level with the engine at idle and flaps configured for landing. At this altitude, the aircraft experienced a sudden and sharp drop in height. The pilot was unable to intervene before the aircraft struck the ground in a flat attitude at a ground speed of roughly 60 mph. The aircraft landed short of the runway threshold and rolled into an open metal farm gate. The impact caused the left wing tip to strike the gate and the right wing to bend against a hedge and gate-post. The landing gear, wings, and forward fuselage sustained substantial damage, rendering the aircraft damaged beyond repair. The pilot sustained one minor injury and exited the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight history and the pilot's recent flying experience. It was noted that the pilot had not flown for approximately nine months due to a combination of winter weather and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. While the pilot was experienced with tailwheel aircraft, he had only accumulated four hours of flight time on this specific model. Additionally, although the pilot had operated out of Roche Airfield for two years, he had only used Runway 29 on a few occasions.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a sudden loss of height while at 30 ft agl during the approach.
- The pilot's lack of recent currency and limited experience on the specific aircraft type may have hindered his ability to react to the altitude drop.
- The aircraft's impact with the gate and hedge resulted in the total loss of the airframe.