What happened
On 7 June 2012, a Europa aircraft, registration G-EOFS, was conducting a private flight from Beccles Airfield to Nayland Airfield. The flight carried one pilot and one passenger. During the final approach to Runway 32, the aircraft was flying with full flaps at approximately 60 kt, facing a tailwind estimated between 10 and 15 kt.
As the aircraft approached the runway, it experienced a loss of altitude. The pilot applied power to arrest the descent, which successfully regained the flight path but also resulted in a 10 kt increase in airspeed. Due to the steep slope of the grass runway, the pilot determined there was insufficient remaining distance to stop safely and initiated a go-around.
Upon applying full power, the aircraft became airborne but only reached an altitude of roughly 15 to 20 ft before beginning a slow descent. While focused on the terrain ahead, the pilot was unable to adjust the flap setting. The aircraft struck a hedgerow, causing the tail or landing gear to impact the vegetation. The aircraft then continued toward a concrete retaining wall; in an attempt to avoid the wall, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft, causing the right wingtip to strike the ground. The aircraft subsequently yawed and crashed onto a driveway, coming to rest facing the airstrip. The passenger sustained serious injuries, including broken bones, while the pilot suffered minor lacerations and a neck injury.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had prepared for the landing by consulting a local pilot regarding the specific requirements of the uphill runway. The investigation examined the aircraft's performance during the go-around, noting that the aircraft failed to climb effectively. The pilot's decision-making regarding the landing attempt in the presence of a significant tailwind was also reviewed.