What happened
On 6 September 2003, a Denney Kitlong Mk 2, registration G-KITY, was conducting a private flight from a farm strip in Nottinghamshire to Staverton Airport in Gloucestershire. The flight proceeded under good weather conditions, though the pilot encountered an updraft during the initial stages of the final approach to Runway 27.
Upon reaching the airfield, the pilot joined the overhead circuit. During the landing sequence, the aircraft touched down at an indicated airspeed of 55 mph in a tail-low attitude near the intersection of Runway 18/36. At the moment of touchdown, the right main landing gear collapsed. This caused the left wing to lift, leading the aircraft to slew violently to the left through a 90-degree angle. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Air Traffic Control observed the incident and corroborated the pilot's account of the aircraft's movement on the runway. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the recorded aerodrome meteorological report for the period.
Findings
- The pilot reported experiencing what he believed to be substantial windshear during the landing, which he felt contributed to a loss of control.
- The recorded meteorological data for 12:20 hrs indicated light winds from 190 degrees and the presence of showers and towering cumulus clouds, suggesting that windshear conditions could have been present.
- The pilot had not received the most recent meteorological updates prior to the landing.