What happened
On 30 August 2016, a Rans S6 Coyote II, registration G-BUEW, was returning to Davidstow Moor Airfield in Cornwall following a local private flight. Upon approaching the airfield, the pilot observed a vehicle occupying the landing runway. Because the airfield is unlicensed and allows unrestricted vehicle access, the pilot was not surprised by the obstruction but performed two missed approaches to allow the vehicle to clear.
During this period, the pilot became concerned regarding the aircraft's remaining fuel, as the onboard system lacked an accurate fuel quantity indicator. To encourage the vehicle driver to move, the pilot flew a third approach at a lower altitude. The vehicle eventually moved out of the way just as the pilot reached the planned go-around altitude. Attempting to complete the landing while simultaneously monitoring the vehicle's position, the pilot failed to notice that the airspeed had dropped below normal levels. Believing it was safer to proceed than to initiate another go-around, the pilot flared for landing, but the aircraft experienced an increased rate of descent and struck the ground heavily. The impact resulted in a buckled landing gear crossbeam.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the pilot's decision-making process. It was noted that the pilot's focus was divided between the landing maneuver and the movement of the vehicle on the runway. Post-flight inspections confirmed structural damage to the landing gear. Additionally, a check of the fuel levels after draining the tanks revealed that the aircraft had more endurance remaining than the pilot had initially estimated.