Incident Details
A training flight at Popham Airfield involved a student pilot and an instructor. The flight was local in nature and was concluding with an approach to the airfield. As the aircraft descended on final approach, the student pilot operated the flap lever. Contrary to the expected setting, the student selected the full flaps position. This selection resulted in an immediate loss of lift and a rapid descent. The aircraft then struck the ground.
Damage and Injuries
The impact caused the undercarriage to be torn from the aircraft. The aircraft itself sustained substantial damage and was subsequently written off. Both the student pilot and the instructor were uninjured in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation into the accident determined that the probable cause was the student pilot's incorrect selection of flaps on final approach.