What happened
On 18 April 2010, a Eurostar UK Eurostar, registration G-IHOT, was performing a private flight in favorable weather conditions. The temperature was approximately 18°C with light, variable winds. As the aircraft was on final approach to the grass runway 33 at Plaistows Farm Airfield, Hertfordshire, the pilot completed a standard touchdown on the runway centerline.
Immediately following the touchdown, the pilot lost the ability to maintain directional control. The aircraft veered toward the right, causing it to depart the runway. During this excursion, the aircraft struck a raised tarmac and metal platform used for the landing direction 'T'. The impact caused damage to the right landing gear, the propeller, and the leading edge of the right wing. The left wing subsequently lifted into the air. The two occupants, the pilot and one passenger, were uninjured and were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty. No fire occurred during the incident.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The investigators examined the sequence of events following the touchdown and the physical damage sustained by the Eurostar UK Eurostar. The investigation focused on the aircraft's movement after contact with the runway surface and the subsequent impact with the runway markings infrastructure.