What happened
On 4 June 1998, at approximately 18:19 UTC, a Europa aircraft, registration G-EMIN, was performing a private flight at Cumbernauld Airport, Glasgow. The aircraft, powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine, was attempting to land on Runway 26 under favorable weather conditions, characterized by calm winds and fine visibility.
During the landing roll, the aircraft touched down at a speed approximately five knots above the intended approach speed. This excess speed led to a loss of directional stability, causing the aircraft to slew toward the left. The movement then transitioned into a sharp veer to the right, which resulted in the left wing tip making contact with the runway surface. As the aircraft continued its path, the tail lifted, and the wooden propeller tips shattered upon impact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway onto the adjacent grass area.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing roll and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The pilot noted that the low angle of the sun, positioned directly in line with the runway, had impacted their visual judgment during the landing phase.