What happened
On 11 November 2016, an IkarUS C42 FB100, registration G-CEHG, was performing a private flight from Swansea Airport to a farm strip located near Hardwicke, Hay-on-Wye. The weather conditions at the departure airfield were reported as having 10 km visibility, broken cloud at 3,500 ft, and a 6-knot wind from 100°.
The landing strip in question was oriented at a heading of roughly 250°M and featured significant upward gradients, rising by approximately 4% over the initial 225 meters and 10% over the subsequent 250 meters. During the landing sequence, the nose landing gear of the aircraft caught in the ground. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its propeller before eventually toppling onto its back. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, escaped the aircraft through the left door without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the terrain characteristics of the private airstrip and the sequence of the touchdown. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, spinner, windscreen, landing light, strobe light, and the front landing gear.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating on a landing strip with a notable upward slope.
- The pilot misjudged the touchdown point relative to the sloping terrain, leading to the nose gear digging into the surface.