What happened
On 20 May 2008, a CFM-Metal Fax Shadow Series BD, registration G-MTTH, was performing a private flight at Bucknall Airfield in Lincolnshire. During the approach to the grass Runway 09, the pilot maintained what was perceived to be a correct approach path under good visibility conditions, with an estimated easterly wind of 8 knots. However, at a height of roughly 10 feet, the aircraft experienced a sudden, unexpected drop toward the ground. This resulted in a heavy landing that caused the distortion of the aircraft's tail boom.
There were two persons on board the aircraft, and neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of altitude during the final stages of the approach. The pilot reported that the descent was not a planned maneuver but an unexpected reaction of the aircraft to external factors. The investigation noted that the aircraft's flight path was interrupted as it passed over a group of trees located near the beginning of the runway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the heavy landing was the disturbance of the air caused by the aircraft passing over a clump of trees situated near the runway threshold.
- The aircraft sustained structural damage in the form of a distorted tail boom.
- This incident follows a pattern of similar occurrences involving related aircraft types, specifically G-BRZZ and G-BUVX, which experienced comparable damage in previous incidents.