What happened
On 16 September 2023, a Sukhoi SU-2xy (registration G-SUUK) was performing a private flight approach to Runway 09 at Andrewsfield Aerodrome in Essex. During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft's left wing dropped suddenly. CCTV footage from the airfield captured the wingtip striking the ground, which triggered a cartwheel motion. The aircraft eventually came to rest upside down in a ploughed field adjacent to the runway.
There were two people on board: the pilot, seated in the rear, and a passenger, a recently qualified pilot, seated in the front. Both individuals sustained minor injuries. While the passenger managed to exit the wreckage independently, the pilot required assistance to be freed from the aircraft. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances of the flight and reviewed airfield surveillance. The pilot, who had 1,950 total flying hours, indicated that he was unaware of any mechanical issues with the aircraft and suspected that the airspeed had decreased during the short final phase of the approach. The passenger noted that the flight appeared routine until the sudden wing drop, which occurred at such a low altitude that the aircraft flipped almost instantly.
Findings
- The investigation established that the airspeed likely reduced during short final.
- This reduction in speed caused the left wing to stall.
- The resulting loss of control caused the aircraft to roll left and strike the ground with the wingtip.