What happened
On September 9, 2024, a Scheibe SF 25 C Falke motor glider, registration OY-HXP, was conducting a private VFR flight from Arnborg (EKAB) to Fur (EKFU). Prior to the flight, the pilot had used an online service to estimate the runway dimensions at EKFU to be approximately 600 meters in length and 20 meters in width. As the pilot had no prior landing experience at this specific aerodrome, they performed a low-level inspection of the runway and windsock from the left side of runway 30 before initiating a left-hand crosswind approach.
During the final approach, at an altitude of roughly 70 meters, the pilot observed that corn crops, measuring approximately 2 to 3 meters in height, were growing within 1.5 meters of the runway boundaries. While attempting to manage the approach and avoid a potential visual illusion caused by the unusually tall crops, the pilot landed approximately 4 meters left of the runway centerline. Although the pilot initially perceived the touchdown as stable, the left wing of the aircraft made contact with the corn crops. This contact caused the aircraft to veer left and slide approximately 50 meters through the field, eventually coming to rest within the crops.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) conducted an initial safety investigation into the event. The investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the pilot's flight parameters, and the environmental factors at the aerodrome. The inquiry confirmed that the aircraft sustained structural damage to the tail section and the outer wooden panel of the left wing. No injuries were reported for the pilot or the passenger.
Findings
- The aircraft's left wing contacted tall corn crops located immediately adjacent to the runway edge.
- The presence of 2-3 meter high crops near the runway boundaries contributed to the excursion.
- The pilot was managing a potential visual illusion caused by the height of the surrounding vegetation during the final approach.
- The landing occurred on a crosswind approach to runway 30.