What happened
On 30 March 2024, a Rans S6-ESD XL, registration G-MZBU, was involved in an accident at Yatesbury Airfield in Wiltshire. The aircraft, operated by its owner, had departed from Draycott Farm carrying the pilot and his son. The flight was intended to be a test flight to check engine performance as part of a permit revalidation process.
During takeoff from Runway 10, witnesses observed the aircraft drift to the right, nearly departing the runway, with the nose landing gear briefly entering the adjacent grass. Following the takeoff, the aircraft entered the circuit. During the subsequent landing approach, witnesses noted the aircraft appeared low, slow, and positioned right of the runway centerline. As the aircraft neared the ground, the left wing dropped, causing the aircraft to contact the runway firmly. The impact broke the landing gear and caused the aircraft to cartwheel, eventually coming to rest facing the opposite direction. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a broken landing gear and a damaged propeller.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness status, maintenance records, and the pilot's recent flying history. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating under a Permit Flight Release Certificate because its Permit to Fly had expired in August 2023.
Investigators reviewed maintenance documentation provided by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA). While the paperwork indicated the aircraft was fit for flight, the investigation found significant discrepancies. Previous LAA inspectors had expressed concerns regarding the quality of maintenance and the completeness of records. Specifically, one inspector noted that new fabric skins had been applied before defects were verified, and another observed that the skins appeared wrinkled. Witnesses at the airfield also reported that the fabric covering appeared poorly fitted, noting that certain skins seemed to be installed upside down.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's compliance with passenger regulations. Under the Skyway Code, a pilot must complete three take-offs and landings within the previous 90 days to carry a passenger. The pilot had not flown since at least August 2023, meaning he was not permitted to carry his son on this flight.
Findings
- The pilot lost control of the aircraft during the landing phase due to a lack of recent flying experience, having not flown for at least 126 days.
- The pilot was in violation of the 90-day rule regarding carrying passengers.
- The aircraft was being operated for purposes outside the restrictions of its Permit Flight Release Certificate.
- The maintenance standards and airworthiness documentation for the aircraft were inadequate, with evidence of poor-quality fabric application and incomplete maintenance records.