What happened
On 9 June 2020, a Pioneer 300, registration G-CDSD, was conducting a private flight from a farm strip near Alconbury Airfield to Wallis International Airstrip near Whittlesey. The weather conditions were favorable, with clear visibility and light winds.
Upon arrival, the pilot performed two go-arounds to inspect the runway and manage local traffic. During the third approach to Runway 08, the pilot maintained full flaps and a speed between 50 and 55 KIAS. To maintain a safe margin over trees located near the runway threshold, the pilot touched down approximately halfway down the 770-metre grass strip. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a bump in the surface, causing it to bounce and land again on the left side of the runway.
As the pilot applied the wheel brakes, the left wing entered long grass, causing the aircraft to yaw left and veer off the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck concrete posts and barbed wire fencing before dropping into a water-filled dyke on the north side of the runway. The canopy detached during the impact, but the aircraft remained upright. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the runway surface conditions, and the pilot's experience. It was noted that the pilot had 131 total flying hours, with 36 hours on this specific type. The investigation looked into the impact with the runway surface and the subsequent loss of directional control as the aircraft left the paved/maintained area.