What happened
On 2 September 2014, a Robin DR400/180 Regent, registration G-ETIV, was conducting a private flight when it encountered an incident during landing at Spilstead Farm Airstrip in East Sussex. The pilot, intending to land at the southern end of the runway to avoid known undulations at the northern threshold, misidentified the runway's starting point. This error was caused by mistaking a line in recently cut hay for the runway threshold. Consequently, the aircraft touched down approximately 25 metres short of the actual runway. Upon contact with the soft ground, the nose landing gear collapsed, resulting in damage to the propeller, cowling, and the left flap. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the landing and the condition of the airfield. It was noted that Spilstead Farm is a private grass strip without formal runway markings. The pilot had previously flown to this location and was aware of the runway's slope and unevenness. On the day of the accident, the surrounding crops had been harvested for hay, which created visual confusion. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the operational procedures for landing at unmapped private strips.