Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Casa 1-131E3B, registration G-BXBD, a licence-built version of the Bucker Jungmann. It is a single-engine biplane with two seats in tandem. The powerplant consisted of one ENMA Tigre G-IV-A piston engine. The aircraft was manufactured in 1951.
Flight Details
The flight was a private operation, piloted by a 66-year-old holder of a Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence. The pilot had accumulated 6,392 total flying hours, with 18 hours on type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he had flown 16 hours, with 8 hours in the last 28 days. One passenger was on board; neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries.
The pilot conducted a fuel system air test and aerobatics during the flight, which lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes. Afterward, he decided to perform a practice forced landing.
Accident Sequence
At 1810 UTC on 7 July 2002, the pilot broadcast two radio calls to advise other traffic of his intentions. The approach was made to grass Runway 21 at Kemble Airfield. The surface wind was reported as 210°/20 kt. As the aircraft neared the threshold, the pilot observed an excess of airspeed and height. While reducing speed, he noticed another aircraft ahead on the tarmac Runway 27. To avoid a possible collision, he turned slightly to the right. At that moment, G-BXBD dropped suddenly onto the grass surface. The impact was hard, causing the aircraft to bounce, and the main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to an abrupt halt shortly afterward.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the accident was the result of windshear. In hindsight, he felt that he should have accepted a touchdown at a higher speed, further back along the runway.