What happened
On 12 May 2019, a Quik GT450, registration G-TPWL, was completing a private local flight when it experienced unstable wind conditions. During the flight, the pilot had noted intermittent western wind bursts that made the flight bumpy. As the aircraft approached Ashcroft Airfield, the pilot observed inconsistent wind directions via various windsocks on the airfield, with some indicating light northern or western winds and others showing nil wind.
Upon deciding to land on Runway 31, the pilot performed a standard approach. However, as the aircraft descended to approximately 10 to 15 feet above the runway and the throttle was set to idle, a sudden burst of wind struck the aircraft. This gust caused the left wing to lift, resulting in the aircraft veering to the right. Although the pilot attempted to level the wings, the aircraft ended up parallel to the runway and made a heavy touchdown into long grass. During the subsequent landing roll, the nose of the aircraft tipped forward, and the aircraft eventually rolled onto its right side. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the wind conditions at the airfield, noting the pilot's observations of shifting winds and the presence of smoke from a nearby fire that suggested a light northern wind. The physical damage to the aircraft, which included the propeller blades, nose pod, nosewheel, and wing, was also considered in the context of the heavy touchdown and subsequent roll.