Accident
On 11 January 2013 at 1155 UTC, an Aeroprakt A22-L Foxbat, registered G-CEOP, struck the ground approximately 20 metres short of a private airstrip located 5 nautical miles west of Lanark, South Lanarkshire. The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and propeller.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft, serial number PFA 317A-14671, was manufactured in 2007 and powered by a single Rotax 912 ULS piston engine. The pilot, aged 58, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 125 flying hours, of which 100 were on type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he had flown 13 hours, with 5 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight Details
The flight was a private local sortie. The airstrip was oriented 06/24. Weather conditions were fair, with a surface wind from 220° at 8 knots and good visibility. After returning from the flight, the pilot flew an approach in a south-westerly direction. On short finals, he experienced sink and applied full power, but was unable to prevent the aircraft striking the ground short of the airstrip. The pilot considered that the aircraft had been affected by turbulence caused by trees located to the south of the airstrip.
Aftermath
The pilot, who was uninjured, secured the aircraft and vacated through the left-hand door.