What happened
On 31 August 2003, an Auster J5V Series 160 Autocar, registration G-APUW, was performing a private flight involving glider retrieval at Langham Airfield, Essex. Following the release of a glider at 3,000 feet, the pilot initiated a rapid descent to circuit height to facilitate a timely landing, as the passenger was part of the glider retrieval crew. The aircraft was still configured with the towrope attached.
As the aircraft approached the 600-metre grass runway 24, the pilot identified 11 kV electric power cables spanning a cornfield located in the undershoot area. Due to a lack of headwind and the limited runway length, the pilot opted against a high approach. Although a ground observer radioed to confirm the towrope was clear, the pilot experienced a sensation of the rope striking the cables. During this period, the aircraft also encountered a downdraught that caused a descent of approximately 20 feet.
While the pilot successfully completed a normal landing, the severed power cables caused an ignition in the adjacent cornfield, resulting in third party damage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the approach, the presence of the 11 kV cables in the undershoot, and the environmental conditions, including the impact of the downdraught and the length of the towrope.