What happened
On 16 August 2015, a Rans S7 Courier, registration G-CBNF, was performing a private flight at Netherley Strip in Aberdeenshire. While attempting to land on the 500-metre westerly grass runway, the pilot deployed full flaps but found the aircraft was flaring too high. In an effort to correct the approach, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power.
However, the transition to the go-around was delayed. The aircraft made a heavy impact with the ground, which caused the right mainwheel to detach from the airframe. This structural failure led to the aircraft nosing over and eventually coming to rest upside down in the long grass situated just north of the landing strip. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing attempt and the subsequent mechanical failure of the landing gear during the heavy touchdown. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage to the engine cowlings, the propeller, the left wing, and the right mainwheel.