What happened
On 8 July 2006, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AHVU, was performing a private flight from Rendcomb to Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex. During the landing phase on Runway 14, the aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown. The impact resulted in minor structural damage to the left vertical strut near the cockpit area.
At the time of the incident, the pilot reported light wind conditions, specifically from 200 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot suggested that the heavy landing might have been precipitated by an air pocket, characterized by a sudden downdraught causing negative vertical acceleration.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The assessment focused on the circumstances surrounding the touchdown and the resulting damage to the airframe. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.