What happened
On 22 August 2015, a Mainair Blade, registration G-MZLC, was performing a private flight when it returned to Culbokie Airfield in Ross and Cromarty. The pilot, observing the windsock, estimated a wind speed of 10 to 12 mph originating from between 110° and 130°. Due to previous experiences with turbulence, the pilot opted for a high approach to the grass runway 09.
As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot reduced power and pulled back on the control bar to lose altitude, maintaining an airspeed of approximately 50 mph. The aircraft flared late, resulting in a three-wheel touchdown that caused the aircraft to bounce back into the air. Following this bounce, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway. Upon the second touchdown, the nosewheel and left wheel entered tall grass and collided with a metal post, which was launched into the air. The aircraft then encountered a furrow in a nearby ploughed field, causing the nose to pitch down. The nosewheel subsequently dug into the earth, causing the aircraft to roll onto its right side. The pilot sustained one minor injury (broken fingertips) and managed to exit the aircraft following the accident.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed footage from a video camera mounted to the right wing, which captured the sequence of the bounce and the subsequent veer to the left. The investigation also examined the physical damage to the aircraft, which included damage to the wing, propeller, pod, and wheel fairings, as well as the impact with a monopole.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a late flare during the initial landing phase, leading to a bounce.
- The aircraft veered left following the bounce, leading to the runway excursion.
- The collision with a metal post and the subsequent impact with a furrow in a ploughed field caused the aircraft to pitch down and eventually overturn.