What happened
On 9 July 1999, a CASA 1-131E Series 2000, registration G-DUDS, was involved in an accident at Lower Upham Farm in Wiltshire during a private flight. The aircraft was being used for a familiarisation training session, with the new owner acting as the pilot-in-command from the rear seat while the previous owner occupied the front seat.
After completing a 20-minute general handling exercise, the crew proceeded to the 700-metre grass runway for circuit practice. The runway was situated among standing crops and oriented north/south. Following two successful circuits using a sideslipping approach technique, the pilot attempted a third approach. As the pilot straightened the aircraft from the sideslip, a loud bang occurred, followed by sudden deceleration. The aircraft somersaulted onto its back after the wheels made contact with the standing crops approximately 25 metres short of the intended touchdown point.
Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft suffered major damage to the engine area, propeller, undercarriage, and tail fin.
The investigation
The investigation, based on the accident report submitted by the pilot, examined the flight sequence and the environmental conditions at the landing site. Investigators looked into the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the final approach and the impact with the airfield surface.
Findings
- The aircraft landed significantly short of the runway, with the landing gear striking standing crops.
- The pilot experienced a sudden deceleration and a loud noise during the transition from a sideslip to a straight approach.
- The pilot failed to compensate for local sink encountered just prior to the landing.