What happened
On 18 June 1999, a Christen Eagle II, registration G-OEGL, was performing a private flight inbound to Popham Airfield in Hampshire. During the approach to Runway 26, the pilot was operating a right-hand circuit but had been forced to extend the downwind leg to maintain separation from another aircraft.
To maintain visibility of the runway, the pilot executed a right-hand sideslip. While this configuration allowed a view of most of the runway, it obscured the white arrow marker and the nearby filling station used for navigation. During the late stages of the final approach, the aircraft struck the upper branches of a tree. The pilot immediately initiated a go-around, after which a subsequent landing in a new circuit was completed successfully.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the approach path for Runway 26, which is intentionally offset by approximately 25° north of the extended centreline to avoid overflying a fuel station. Investigators examined the pilot's flight configuration and the visual cues available during the approach.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the upper mainplane, fabric covering, and the leading edges of the lower mainplanes.
- The pilot experienced a misjudgement of the final approach path.
- A slight northerly wind component caused the aircraft to drift south of the intended track.
- The use of a sideslip created a visual illusion, leading the pilot to believe the aircraft was approaching the runway at a steeper angle than was actually occurring.