What happened
On 14 May 2014, a Zenair CH 601X1 aircraft, registration G-RWMW, was completing a private flight from Bute to a farm field airstrip near Ayr. The flight was returning to the airfield, which featured a 300 m landing distance oriented 06/24. Weather conditions at the time included a 11 kt wind from 240º and good visibility.
While the aircraft was on short finals at an altitude of approximately 70 ft, it encountered unexpected and severe turbulence. This sudden atmospheric disturbance caused the aircraft to lose airspeed and enter a stall. The aircraft subsequently pitched downward at an angle of roughly 40º, striking the ground approximately 100 m before the start of the runway. The impact resulted in severe damage to the airframe. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Examination of the wreckage and the pilot's account indicated that the cockpit area remained intact, with the internal volume of the cabin being preserved. The forces of the impact were absorbed by the structural deformation of the fuselage, specifically the crumpling of the structure from the firewall toward the rear of the aircraft.