What happened
On 26 June 2010, a Fournier RF5, registration G-AZRK, was performing a private flight at Berrow Airfield in Worcestershire. The pilot was conducting the second landing of the day, having previously completed a passenger drop-off.
During the approach to Runway 24, the pilot noted a steep descent with a groundspeed that appeared higher than usual. The aircraft touched down approximately 260 metres from the threshold, upwind of a significant undulation in the grass runway. As the aircraft reached the crest of this undulation, it briefly became airborne and drifted toward the right of the runway centreline.
Upon the second touchdown, the right wingtip made contact with standing vegetation, which was approximately 3 feet in height. This impact caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the right, leading it to leave the runway and travel into a ditch located at the edge of the airfield. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the runway conditions and the aircraft's flight path. It was established that the grass runway at Berrow Airfield featured a transverse slope to the south and two distinct undulations. The investigation also reviewed the damage to the aircraft, which included a dented spinner, a split propeller blade, a bent crankshaft, a separated firewall, a fractured right wing trailing edge, and damage to the tailwheel arm and right outrigger.
Findings
- The aircraft's flight path was disrupted when it became momentarily airborne due to the runway's uneven surface.
- The aircraft drifted to the right following the initial touchdown, leading to the wingtip striking tall grass.
- The impact with the vegetation caused the subsequent excursion into the ditch.