What happened
On 26 August 2016, a Skyranger 912(2), registered G-INCE, was conducting a private flight near Hackford, Wymondham. The weather conditions were reported as fine, with a light wind of 3.5 knots originating from 220°.
As the pilot attempted to land the aircraft in a southerly direction, a sudden gust of wind from the right side of the aircraft pushed it toward the left side of the runway. During this maneuver, the left wingtip of the aircraft struck a tree.
Following the collision, the pilot attempted to recover by applying full power and using right roll and rudder inputs; however, the aircraft continued to bank to the left. Facing an imminent collision with power lines, the pilot decided to reduce engine power and perform an emergency landing in a nearby maize field. The pilot, who was secured with a full harness, sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered damage to the fuselage, landing gear, and right wing, and the engine experienced a shock-load.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the sequence of events leading from the wind gust to the impact with the tree and the subsequent decision-making process regarding the emergency landing.