What happened
On 13 August 2022, a Jabiru UL-430, registration G-RUFS, was performing a private flight from Bakersfield Airfield to Lower Upham Airfield. Upon arrival, the pilot initiated an approach to the easterly runway. During the landing attempt, the aircraft bounced on the runway, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around.
As the pilot applied full power to climb, the airspeed dropped to 45 knots, leading the pilot to lower the nose to regain speed. Despite the engine appearing to operate normally, the aircraft failed to achieve the expected climb rate. While attempting a right turn to avoid obstacles, the aircraft struck trees at the upwind end of the runway. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damaged.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the environmental conditions and aircraft performance. On the day of the accident, the temperature was 33°C. The investigation noted that the airfield's terrain rises toward the east, meaning the ground elevation was 80 feet higher at the accident site than at the runway threshold.
Investigators analyzed the impact of density altitude, calculating that the performance at the airfield was equivalent to an altitude of 2,720 feet on a standard day. While the aircraft was not physically examined by the AAIB, the crew's accounts suggested no obvious engine malfunction. Data from previous annual check flights provided a baseline for the aircraft's climb performance under cooler, standard conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered reduced climb performance due to high ambient temperatures and high density altitude.
- The rising terrain at the end of the runway further complicated the aircraft's ability to clear obstacles.
- The aircraft was unable to climb sufficiently to avoid the trees during the missed approach.