What happened
On 4 July 1998, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-ANFL, was conducting a private flight from Swanton Morley to Little Snoring Airport. The purpose of the flight was to provide training for a pilot holding a Private Pilot's Licence who lacked experience on this specific aircraft type. During the flight, the aircraft was positioned for a glide approach to Runway 25, with the experienced pilot occupying the rear seat.
At the time of the approach, the wind was reported as being straight down the runway at approximately 10 to 15 knots. The aircraft maintained an approach speed of 50 knots, targeting a landing point just past the runway threshold. While the approach initially appeared normal to both the pilot and ground observers, the aircraft began to sink abruptly when it was roughly 20 yards short of the threshold and at an altitude of approximately 10 feet. The aircraft struck the ground with significant force on its left wheel, causing it to veer approximately 120 degrees before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its propeller and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the descent. The pilot suggested that the primary cause of the sudden loss of altitude was wind shear occurring near the ground level.