What happened
On 23 June 2001, a De Hav 82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANLD, was performing a private flight at Old Warden Aerodrome. During the landing phase on Runway 21, the aircraft was on final approach with the pilot maintaining a speed between 55 and 60 kt. As the aircraft approached the threshold, it was noted to be high on the glide path, prompting the pilot to employ a sideslip maneuver to correct the descent.
While the aircraft had successfully returned to the intended approach path at a speed of 55 kt, a sudden high sink rate occurred. This resulted in the aircraft striking the top of a tree located approximately 70 yards from the runway threshold. The tree was roughly 20 feet in height. The impact caused the aircraft to land heavily on the runway, leading to the collapse of the landing gear. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway centerline. There were no injuries to the two occupants, who were both wearing safety harnesses.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the descent. At the time of the accident, the grass runway surface was dry, with a temperature of approximately 24°C and a light wind of 6 knots. The investigation reviewed the pilot's maneuvers, specifically the use of a sideslip to manage the approach height, and the subsequent development of the sink rate that led to the tree strike.