What happened
On 8 May 2000, a Europa aircraft, registration G-OGAN, was performing a private flight at Wickenby Airport, Lincolnshire. During the landing sequence on Runway 03, the pilot was executing a landing following a local flight. Weather conditions at the time were favorable, with winds recorded at 030° at 5 knots, though gusts up to 9 knots from 045° were present.
The pilot approached the runway at a speed of 60 knots with full flaps extended. As the aircraft reached the round-out phase of the landing, it began to oscillate in pitch. In an attempt to correct this instability, the pilot increased engine power. This action resulted in the aircraft banking to the left, causing the left wing to make contact with an adjacent oilseed rape crop. The aircraft subsequently slewed to the left but remained upright upon coming to a rest.
There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained damage to the engine, propeller, cowling, wing tips, and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the flight parameters, the weather conditions, and the pilot's experience. At the time of the incident, the pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total of 67 flying hours, only 2 of which had been completed on this specific aircraft type. The investigation also considered the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft's 'all flying' tail design and the impact of wind gusts during the critical landing phase.