Incident
On 24 February 2017, at approximately 1400 UTC, a Vans RV-8 aircraft, registration G-CHPK, was on approach to Bidford Airfield in Warwickshire when it ran off the side of the runway and tipped onto its nose. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft was a Vans RV-8, manufactured in 2014 (serial number PFA 303-14535). It was powered by a single Lycoming YIO-360-M1B piston engine. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine firewall, and wheel spats from the shock-loading during the excursion.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 65, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 4,000 hours, of which 20 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 18 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal. At approximately 1,500 ft, he detected mild engine vibration and decided to return to the airfield. During the downwind leg for a landing on Runway 24, he noted that the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) for cylinder number 4 was very low at 150°F, while the other three cylinders read 1,500°F.
The pilot conducted a glide approach using sideslip to control height. During the flare and landing, the sun was in his eyes, causing him to lose visual references. Consequently, the aircraft ran off the runway into a ploughed field and tipped onto its nose.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine firewall, and wheel spats. The pilot was not injured.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source.