What happened
On 16 July 2016, an SD-1 Minis．sport, registration G-CIZA, was conducting a private flight at a private airstrip in Meldreth, Hertfordshire. The aircraft, powered by a single Hirth F23 piston engine, had completed a routine takeoff and was performing a circuit pattern.
During the final approach, the pilot maintained a steady indicated airspeed of 60 mph, with GPS data indicating a headwind of roughly 15 knots. As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, it experienced an unexpected loss of altitude. This sudden drop led to a heavy landing, causing the left landing gear to detach, the propeller to break, and damage to the stabilator.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examiner noted that the pilot, who held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had significant flight experience, sustained no injuries during the event. Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed that there was no surface wind present.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered structural damage to the landing gear, propeller, and stabilator.
- The pilot identified windshear as a potential contributing factor to the sudden drop in altitude during the landing phase.