What happened
On 10 May 2009, an Airborne Edge XT912-B/Streak III-B, registration G-LVPL, was returning to a private grass airstrip located near Stourton, Stourbridge, following a day of flying. The pilot identified the surface wind as being approximately 7 knots from the northeast, though the maximum gust strength was uncertain.
During the approach to Runway 09, which measured 320 m in length and 10 m in width, the aircraft encountered a significant amount of sink at approximately 30 ft above ground level. Although the pilot attempted to compensate by applying power, the aircraft made a heavy landing. This impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to run off the left side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck a series of fence posts situated on raised ground along a canal embankment. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was assisted from the wreckage by bystanders.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's flight path. It was noted that the runway was positioned in the lee of a wooded area to its left. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's damage, which included impacts to the propeller, wing, pod, and nose landing gear. The pilot's assessment of the wind direction and its impact on the local airflow was a key focus of the inquiry.