What happened
On 8 August 1998, a Great Lakes 2T-1A, registration G-BIIZ, was performing a private flight at Upper Harford, Gloucestershire. The aircraft was attempting to land on a well-maintained, 800-metre grass runway. The weather conditions at the time featured a temperature of 25°C and a light surface wind from 300° at 5 knots.
As the pilot approached the airfield, which was being visited for the first time, the landing sequence began without incident. However, the aircraft bounced upon initial contact with the runway. In an attempt to settle the aircraft, the pilot held the control column in a full aft position. This action resulted in a second bounce, during which the aircraft swung toward the left side of the runway. In an effort to recover directional control, the pilot applied engine power, but the aircraft continued to veer left, ultimately resulting in a collision with a stationary, parked aircraft. There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight conditions, the pilot's experience, and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The pilot had a private pilot's licence and 146 total flying hours, with 24 hours logged on this specific type. The investigation focused on the aircraft's behavior during the touchdown phase and the subsequent loss of directional stability.