What happened
On 27 January 2008, a student pilot was conducting solo training exercises at Arclid Airfield, near Sandbach, Cheshire, in a Gemini Flash IIA, registration G-MVTC. Having previously completed several circuits and landings with an instructor, the pilot was instructed to use the shorter Runway 29 if the wind conditions changed significantly.
During the flight, the pilot observed that the wind had increased in strength and shifted to a westerly direction. While flying the left-hand circuit for Runway 02, the pilot encountered turbulence. This led to an initial missed approach at a low altitude, followed by a second attempt at a higher altitude.
While turning onto the final approach for Runway 29, the pilot noted an airspeed of approximately 55 mph but also observed a high sink rate despite maintaining a level attitude. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot applied full power. However, as the aircraft approached the runway, it struck the ground before reaching the threshold. The nosewheel dug into the surface, causing the aircraft to cartwheel. The aircraft sustained severe damage to the fuselage, wing, and propeller, rendering it beyond economical repair. The pilot escaped the accident with no injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the flight path and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed the pilot's actions during the turbulent approach and the impact marks left on the ground. The investigation established that the aircraft's nosewheel made contact with the ground prematurely, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent cartwheel.