What happened
On 13 July 2006, a Denney Kitfox Mk 3, registration G-DJNH, was performing a private flight departing from the grass Runway 06 at Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire. Shortly after the aircraft became airborne, it encountered a sudden gust of wind. At an altitude of approximately 5 feet above the runway, this gust impacted the aircraft, leading to the left landing gear making contact with the ground and subsequently collapsing. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, the left wing tip, and the left landing gear.
Both the pilot and the passenger were secured in their harnesses at the time of the incident. Neither occupant sustained any injuries, and both were able to exit the aircraft via the standard door.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the environmental conditions at the time of the departure, noting that the surface wind was reported as being from 030º(M) at 15 knots and gusty. The physical damage to the aircraft's structure and landing gear was also examined to determine the sequence of the impact.