Accident Overview
On 8 October 2000, at approximately 1340 hours UTC, a Europa aircraft (registration G-FLOX) sustained damage during a heavy landing at Brimpton Airfield, Berkshire. The aircraft was on a private flight from Lasham and was making an approach to the grass Runway 25. The pilot, aged 62, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 589 hours of total flying experience, with 4 hours on the Europa type.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the surface wind was from the north-west at 5 to 8 knots. At about 20 feet above the ground, the airspeed, attitude, and rate of descent were normal, with the engine at idle power. The final flare was initiated at three or four feet above the ground. As the aircraft's attitude changed, the aircraft stalled and landed heavily, coming to a stop further along the landing strip. There was no fire, and the two occupants vacated the aircraft normally.
Local Observations
A locally based pilot noted that, given the wind conditions, trees just north of the landing strip may have induced a curlover effect, potentially causing the aircraft to sink during the final stage of the approach.
Pilot Comments
The pilot reported that he had been concentrating on achieving a good touchdown and must have inadvertently allowed the airspeed to decay with the engine power at idle.
Damage
The landing gear, propeller, forward bulkhead, and wheel well were damaged.