What happened
On 19 December 2004, a DHC-1 Chipmunk 22, registration G-AOSU, was performing a private flight near Elgin, Scotland. While returning to Easterton Airfield, the pilot attempted a glide landing on a grass runway that was covered in a light layer of snow. To avoid the wet and soft upwind section of the runway, the pilot intended to land on the first third of the field.
During the approach, the pilot closed the throttle and deployed full flaps. To lose altitude, the pilot performed a tight S-turn, initially banking to the left. During this maneuver, the aircraft became too low and drifted right of the runway centerline. The pilot chose to continue the approach diagonally to the runway to land into the wind, despite the difficulty of flying into the low winter sun. Witnesses observed the aircraft's left wing strike the ground at approximately 100 feet above airfield level, causing the aircraft to descend into a field just short of the airfield. The impact resulted in one serious injury to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's decision-making process. It was noted that the aircraft was carrying approximately 10 gallons of fuel, which spilled upon impact, though no fire occurred. The pilot provided a detailed account of the sequence, noting that he had intentionally closed the throttle to practice engine-out landing techniques. The investigation also considered the impact of the low sun position and the potential for wind shear during the S-turn maneuver.