Flight and Approach
The aircraft had flown from Jersey with an intermediate landing at Exeter before arriving at Somerford. A left circuit was flown onto a 1-mile final approach to runway 36. Somerford is an 800-metre by 21-metre grass runway. The southern end of the runway is bounded by a belt of trees 50-60 feet high, and a field of soft ground lies to the west. The wind was from 330 degrees at 13 knots, and the temperature was 12°C.
Accident Sequence
As the aircraft crossed the trees, it was at a normal approach speed and rate of descent. The pilot then reduced power for the landing. Immediately thereafter, the aircraft suddenly dropped to the ground at the runway threshold. The left main landing gear separated upon impact. When the left wingtip struck the ground, the aircraft swung to the left into the soft ground, causing the right main landing gear to collapse.
Aftermath
All occupants' diagonal upper torso restraints held during the impact. The crew and passengers left the aircraft via the normal exits.