What happened
On 7 May 2011, a Cyclone AX3/503, registration G-MYRO, was performing a private flight at the Linton airstrip near Maidstone, Kent. During the final approach to Runway 11, the weather conditions were characterized by generally good visibility and a light southern wind that was subject to occasional gusts of up to 12 knots.
As the pilot was holding off the ground just prior to the flare, the aircraft was struck by an exceptionally strong, sudden gust of wind. This wind pushed the aircraft sideways toward an adjacent area of rough ground. In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure; however, the lateral force was too great to counteract. Consequently, the aircraft rolled to the left and collided with the ground north of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination of the wreckage revealed significant damage to several components, including the propeller, the nose landing gear, the cockpit floor tubes, the screen, the pod, the left aileron, and the left wing. There was no fire following the impact.
Findings
- The pilot sustained no injuries during the incident and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
- The primary cause of the excursion was a sudden, powerful wind gust that displaced the aircraft laterally during the approach phase.
- The pilot's attempt to execute a go-around was unsuccessful in preventing the aircraft from drifting off the runway surface.