What happened
After departing Jersey and completing a scheduled stop in Exeter, the aircraft was conducting a left-hand circuit at Somerford. The flight was on a one-mile final approach toward runway 36. At the time of the incident, environmental conditions included a temperature of 12°C and winds from 330° at 13 knots.
As the aircraft transitioned past a line of trees located at the southern end of the grass runway, the pilot decreased engine power while maintaining standard approach speed and descent rates. During this phase, the aircraft experienced an unexpected drop in altitude as it reached the runway threshold. Upon contact with the ground, the left main landing gear detached from the airframe. The subsequent impact of the wingtip caused the aircraft to veer toward the left side of the runway into a patch of soft terrain. This lateral movement resulted in the collapse of the right landing gear.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating on a grass runway measuring 800 meters by 21 meters.
- The sudden drop in altitude occurred immediately after power was reduced during the final approach.
- All occupants remained secured by their upper torso restraints during the impact.
- There were zero fatalities and no reported injuries, as all crew and passengers successfully exited the aircraft through standard emergency exits.