Landing gear and wing damage during touchdown at Leicestershire airstrip

Casualties unknown • Private Strip, Grove Farm, Wolvey, Leicestershire, GB

An EV-97 TeamEurostar UK aircraft sustained damage to its right wing and landing gear after drifting off a private runway in Leicestershire.

What happened

On 20 June 2011, an EV-97 TeamEurostar UK, registration G-CEDV, was conducting a private flight at a private landing strip located at Grove Farm, Wolvey, Leicestershire. The aircraft was following a right-hand circuit pattern, with grass and crops situated to the left of the runway.

The approach and initial touchdown were described as normal. Once the nosewheel made contact with the ground, the pilot applied the brakes. As the aircraft decelerated, it began to drift toward the left side of the runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft crossed a small drop located at the edge of the runway area. This caused the right main landing gear and the right wing to strike the ground, resulting in damage to both components.

Following the impact, the nose of the aircraft entered a field of oilseed rape, which was approximately 4 feet high, causing the engine to come to a stop. The pilot and one passenger, both of whom were wearing full shoulder harnesses, were uninjured and were able to exit the aircraft without assistance after the engine was shut down.

The investigation

The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the runway conditions, noting that the strip was 350 m long and 14 m wide, flanked by standing crops. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's actions during the braking phase and the physical layout of the runway edge.

Probable cause

The aircraft drifted left during the braking phase of the landing, causing the right wing and landing gear to strike the ground at the edge of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-06-20 EV-97 TeamEurostar UK accident near Private Strip, Grove Farm, Wolvey, Leicestershire, GB?

An EV-97 TeamEurostar UK aircraft sustained damage to its right wing and landing gear after drifting off a private runway in Leicestershire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-06-20 involved a EV-97 TeamEurostar UK, registration G-CEDV, at Private Strip, Grove Farm, Wolvey, Leicestershire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft drifted left during the braking phase of the landing, causing the right wing and landing gear to strike the ground at the edge of the runway.

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