What happened
On 2 May 2005, a pilot was operating a single-seat Acrosport 1, registration G-BSHY, at a private grass airstrip near Keal Cotes, Lincolnshire. The flight was a private operation conducted in good weather conditions with light and variable winds. To avoid helicopter traffic, the pilot flew a right-hand circuit, which involved a specific technique of sideslipping the aircraft to the right on final approach to improve forward visibility over the nose.
During the approach, the pilot misjudged the landing distance and landed long on the strip. This necessitated an immediate go-around. During the climb, the pilot became aware of a 40-foot tree located near the edge of the airfield. In an attempt to avoid the obstacle, the pilot pulled the aircraft into a near-vertical attitude. However, the lower portion of the aircraft struck the tree branches, which forced the main landing gear assembly into the cockpit area. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground approximately 20 feet beyond the tree, landing sideways on the right side of the strip. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot, specifically multiple fractures to the ankles and lower legs.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft's design, featuring a tail-wheel configuration, naturally limited the pilot's forward view while on the ground and during certain flight phases. The pilot's use of a right-hand sideslip on final approach, intended to mitigate this visibility issue, inadvertently masked the tree from view.
Following the impact, the aircraft's fuel tanks ruptured, coating the pilot in fuel. The force of the collision distorted the canopy mounts, making it impossible to open the canopy normally. The pilot had to punch a hole through the plastic transparency to facilitate escape. The pilot was eventually extricated with the assistance of a colleague who arrived at the scene. The investigation noted that the pilot's use of a protective flying helmet and a four-point harness likely prevented more severe head injuries, as the helmet showed evidence of impact with the canopy mounting.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to use a right-hand sideslip on final approach caused the tree to be obscured by the aircraft's nose.
- The tree remained hidden from the pilot's view throughout the approach, the touchdown, and the initiation of the go-around.
- The impact with the tree caused the landing gear to intrude into the cockpit, leading to the pilot's leg injuries.