What happened
On 6 March 2005, a Grob G109, registration G-BRCG, was conducting a private navigational exercise from Gamston. While approaching the asphalt Runway 36 at Pocklington Airfield in East Yorkshire, the pilot executed an approach shallower than usual. During this descent, the aircraft was maintained at speeds between 60 and 65 kt using idle throttle and a partially deployed airbrake.
As the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above the ground, it experienced a rapid loss of altitude. The pilot attempted to retract the airbrakes and apply power; however, the application of power was hindered because the pilot had to switch hands on the control column to reach the throttle, which is positioned on the opposite side of the airbrake control. Consequently, the Grob G109 struck rough grass in the undershoot area, roughly 60 metres before the runway threshold. The impact caused the landing gear to collapse, and the aircraft slid along its fuselage. There were no injuries to the two occupants, who were wearing four-point harnesses.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight parameters, the aircraft's configuration, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators looked into the impact of the aircraft's high aspect ratio wings and the physical layout of the airfield approach. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's cockpit ergonomics, specifically the necessity of changing hand positions to manage simultaneous airbrake and throttle adjustments during a critical phase of flight.