What happened
On 1 January 2000, an Avid Speedwing, registration G-BTRC, was conducting a private cross-country flight from a farm strip in Sussex to Popham Airfield in Hampshire. During the approach to Runway 08, the aircraft experienced a significant decay in airspeed. This loss of speed led to a heavy landing on the airfield.
There were two persons on board the aircraft, including the pilot, and no injuries were reported following the event. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's propeller and the nose leg.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The inquiry established that wind conditions at the airfield were light at the time of the incident. The pilot noted that the aircraft was a short-winged version of the model, and he felt that his limited experience with this specific configuration contributed to the loss of airspeed during the landing phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the heavy landing was the decay of airspeed during the approach.
- The pilot's relative lack of familiarity with the short-winged variant of the Avid Speedwing was a contributing factor.
- The aircraft's recently installed four-point harness functioned as intended, preventing injury to the occupants.