History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Flight Design CTSW (G-DEWE) with a single Rotax 912ULS piston engine, departed Dunkeswell Airfield near Exeter on a private flight to check a recently installed oil thermostat system. The pilot, aged 77, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 1,574 hours total flying experience, including 183 hours on type, with 3 hours in the last 90 days and 3 hours in the last 28 days. One passenger was on board.
Accident Sequence
The pilot contacted Old Sarum Airfield, Wiltshire, at about 10 nm range and positioned for an approach to Runway 06. He flew a low drag, low power descent to monitor oil temperature, confirming the engine responded satisfactorily during the descent. Weather conditions were fine, with an estimated surface wind from 070° at 15 kt. The pilot experienced turbulent air and flew the final approach 10 kt faster than usual with a reduced flap setting. He flared the aircraft and flew level above the runway to slow down. The aircraft dropped onto the runway on its main wheels, causing a small bounce. The pilot opened the throttle to assist with controlling the bounce, but the engine did not respond. The aircraft then entered a series of divergent pitch excursions, resulting in collapse of the nose landing gear. The propeller dug into the grass runway surface and the aircraft inverted.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants were wearing full harnesses. The pilot suffered serious injuries, including slight damage to a vertebra, and was taken to Salisbury Hospital; the passenger sustained a minor cut. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the forward fuselage and fin.
Investigation
The pilot submitted an Aircraft Accident Report Form to the AAIB, which issued Bulletin 7/2013 (ref EW/G2013/04/16). The report did not determine the reason why the engine did not respond to throttle application.