What happened
On 13 May 2016, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-SFLA, was conducting circuit training at Sandown Airfield on the Isle of Wight. The flight was operated by a student pilot and a flying instructor. Following a series of successful circuits, the instructor determined the student was prepared for a solo flight. The aircraft subsequently returned to Lower Upham Airpend in preparation for the solo session.
During the approach to Runway 04, the student pilot initiated the flare at an excessive height. This led to a heavy touchdown, causing the aircraft to bounce twice and drift toward the left side of the runway. In response, the instructor took control of the aircraft and executed a missed approach, applying full power to correct the flight path. As the aircraft began its climb, the left wingtip collided with a metal stanchion located in a hedge to the left of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to swerve sharply and strike the ground. There were no injuries to the two crew members, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the engine mounts, door, nose gear, main gear, and both wings.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading from the high flare to the collision with the stanchion. The assessment focused on the flight dynamics during the botched touchdown and the subsequent recovery attempt by the instructor.