What happened
On 10 May 2008, a Europa aircraft, registration G-RICS, was conducting a private flight from Old Sarum, Salisbury, to Wellcross Farm, Horsham. During the approach to Runway 22, a short grass strip measuring 650 m by 40 m, the pilot observed that the airspeed was 10 kt higher than usual and the approach path was steeper than normal. Despite reducing power to idle and deploying full flaps, the pilot was unable to reach the intended touchdown point and instead accepted a landing further down the runway.
As the aircraft flared, it continued to float due to the excess airspeed, eventually touching down and bouncing. The aircraft finally came to rest with approximately 200 m of runway remaining. Upon application of the brakes, the aircraft experienced a rapid yawing motion from right to left. The pilot lost directional control, causing the aircraft to slide into a drainage ditch at approximately 10 kt. The incident resulted in no injuries, but the aircraft suffered a broken undercarriage leg and propeller damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration and the circumstances of the approach. The G-RICS had been modified from a mono-wheel setup to a conventional tail-wheel configuration. This type of undercarriage is noted for being more difficult to manage on the ground because the center of mass sits behind the main landing gear. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, which were characterized by good visibility and a light, variable wind.
Findings
- The pilot performed an unstable approach with an airspeed 5 to 10 kt above normal.
- The touchdown occurred significantly beyond the runway threshold.
- The pilot lost directional control while attempting to decelerate within a limited stopping distance.
- The tail-wheel configuration of the aircraft contributed to the difficulty in maintaining the aircraft's path on the grass surface.