Accident Overview
On 31 May 2000 at 1334 hours UTC, a Cessna 182C (registration G-ARAW) was making a private approach to Runway 26 at Priors Byne Farm, Partridge Green, West Sussex. The runway, with a grass surface, is 640 metres in length. Crossing the runway approximately 70 metres from the threshold of Runway 26 are two 11 kV power cables, 8 metres and 10 metres high respectively.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the time was fine with good visibility. The surface wind was from 180° to 190° at 10 to 15 knots.
Events Leading to the Accident
The pilot, a 70-year-old holder of a Commercial Pilot's Licence with 12,300 total flying hours (450 on type), reported that he had allowed sufficient height on his approach to clear the obstructions. However, a sudden and unexpected wind shear caused the aircraft to sink and strike the cables. As the aircraft struck the cables, the propeller stopped and the aircraft rolled rapidly to the left. The pilot corrected for the roll, but due to the drag effect of the cables and the sudden loss of power, he was unable to prevent the aircraft from impacting heavily on the nose and right main landing gear.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to a halt some 200 metres from the cables. The pilot and the single passenger vacated the aircraft uninjured via the normal exit.
Damage
The accident resulted in shock loading to the engine and substantial damage to the propeller, left wing leading edge and upper surface, right flap, left aileron, and cabin floor.