History of the Flight
On 26 May 2015 at 1550 UTC, a Pulsar aircraft, registration G-MCMS, was conducting a private flight with a single pilot on board. During the approach to Runway 04 at Pembrey Airport, Carmarthenshire, the pilot encountered turbulence over a forested area south of the airport and possibly some sink in the final stages. The main undercarriage wheels clipped the top of the airport's boundary chain-link fence, which was a little under 6 ft high and located 66 m from the displaced threshold of Runway 04. The aircraft came to rest on the runway strip short of the threshold, and the pilot, who was using a full harness, exited the aircraft unharmed.
Approach Surface
The CAA's UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) states that Runway 04 at Pembrey has a TODA of 797 m and is classified as a Code 1 runway. CAP 168 – Licensing of Aerodromes – provides guidance on the approach surface, which is an inclined plane preceding the threshold and runway strip that must be clear of obstacles. For a Code 1 runway, the runway strip is 30 m and the approach surface has a slope of 5% (1:20). Therefore, at the boundary fence, which is 36 m from the start of the runway strip, obstacles should be no higher than 1.8 m (6 ft). The airfield owner subsequently measured and confirmed that the fence is slightly less than the 6 ft height permitted.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Pulsar, was manufactured in 1993 (serial number PFA 202-11982) and powered by one Rotax 582 piston engine. The pilot held a National Private Pilot's Licence and was 74 years old. His total flying experience was 832 hours, of which 3 hours were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 3 hours; in the last 28 days, also 3 hours.
Damage
The accident caused damage to the propeller, spinner, lower front fuselage, wheels, wheel fairings, and the leading edge and tip of one wing.