What happened
On 3 July 2021, a Quik GTR, registration G-GTRX, was performing a series of local flights between Broadmeadow Airfield and Credenhill. The weather conditions at the time were good. The pilot had successfully completed three prior landings on the grass strip of Runway 26 without incident.
During the fourth landing attempt, the aircraft was positioned high and traveling at a low speed on the final approach. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot attempted to respond with engine power, but the application of power occurred too late. Consequently, the aircraft failed to lift off and instead accelerated into the ground in a nose-down attitude. The impact caused the aircraft to be damaged beyond repair. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries, though they were able to receive immediate medical care from personnel present at the site.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight sequence, noting the pilot's experience level of 406 total hours, with 370 hours specifically on this aircraft type. The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the final approach and the timing of the pilot's corrective actions.