Accident Overview
On 3 May 2013 at 1850 UTC, an EV-97 Eurostar microlight aircraft, registration G-CDNI, operated by a private pilot, experienced an incident during landing at Landmead Farm Strip in Oxfordshire. The aircraft was manufactured in 2005 (Serial No. 2321) and powered by one Rotax 912-UL piston engine.
Occupants and Injuries
There was one crew member (the pilot) and one passenger on board. Neither occupant reported any injuries.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and propeller.
Pre-Flight Events
Prior to the flight, the aircraft was parked at Shoreham. An Apache helicopter landing nearby caused the Eurostar to be observed by a ground crew member as being "lifted off the ground" several times due to the helicopter's downwash. The pilot made only a quick pre-flight check because the Apache was due to start up.
Landing and Accident Sequence
During the landing roll at Landmead, the pilot applied the brakes. The aircraft then swerved left, causing the nose landing gear leg and right main landing gear leg to collapse.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot considered that some damage may have been caused at Shoreham which a more thorough pre-flight inspection might have revealed.
Pilot Experience
The commander, aged 54, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence (Microlight) and had a total flying experience of 265 hours, of which 238 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 6 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Information Source
This report is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot to the UK AAIB.