What happened
On 29 May 2000, an Andreasson BA4 and registration G-BEBT was engaged in a private flight at Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome, Leeds. After completing three successful circuits, the pilot intended to return the aircraft to the hangar.
During the landing on the grass runway 29, the pilot applied back pressure on the control stick in an attempt to maintain propeller clearance from the ground. This action caused the aircraft to lift to an altitude of approximately 3 feet before it descended and struck the surface with significant force. The resulting heavy landing caused damage to both the landing gear and the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the flight conditions, noting a surface wind of 290° at 5 to 10 knots. The examination focused on the sequence of control inputs during the landing roll and the subsequent impact with the ground.