What happened
On 20 June 2003, a Cessna 180, registration G-AXZO, was performing a private flight at Roughay Farm Strip near Winchester, Hampshire. During the late final approach to the grass Runway 03, the aircraft struck electricity cables at an altitude of approximately 25 feet. Although the pilot continued the landing attempt, the impact caused the right landing gear to detach upon touchdown. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway to the right, coming to rest in a standing crop. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had received a warning from the airstrip operator regarding the presence of wires just before the threshold of Runway 03. In response to this information, the pilot had intended to land significantly beyond the standard touchdown point to avoid the hazard. However, the wires were greenish in colour, which caused them to blend into the surrounding environment. Consequently, the crew failed to visually identify the cables in time to alter their flight path.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to visually identify the electricity cables due to their colour blending with the background.
- The pilot's planned approach, intended to avoid the wires, resulted in a late final approach that intersected with the cables.
- The airstrip operator had previously notified the pilot of the hazard, but the visual difficulty of the wires persisted.
Safety action
- The airstrip operator has implemented measures to increase the visibility of the electricity cables.