Aircraft and Crew Information
The accident involved a Grumman AA-5, registration G-BBDL, manufactured in 1973 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2G piston engine. The private flight was conducted by a 43-year-old pilot holding a Private Pilot's Licence, who had accumulated 133 total flying hours, including 33 hours on type. His recent flying experience included 3 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days. There was one crew member and two passengers on board.
Flight and Accident Description
On 8 April 2001 at 1100 hours, the aircraft was landing on paved Runway 34 at Wickenby Airfield, Lincolnshire. The surface wind was reported as 300°(M) at 5 to 10 knots. The pilot conducted the approach at 80 mph with full flap selected. At approximately 20 feet above ground level, a higher than ideal sink rate developed, leading to a heavy landing and a bounce. The pilot responded by applying full power to execute a go-around. During the go-around, the aircraft rolled first to the left and then to the right as the pilot applied aileron and rudder inputs. Subsequently, it rolled left again, and the left wingtip struck the runway surface. The aircraft then departed the paved surface, turned through approximately 180°, and came to rest in a nose-down attitude. The pilot believed that the approach speed had been correct and speculated that the accident might have resulted from a slightly flat approach combined with a sudden reduction in wind speed. He recalled hearing the stall warning buzzer as the aircraft sank onto the runway.
Occupant Injuries and Escape
The three occupants were wearing lap and diagonal upper torso restraints. They escaped through the normal exits. The pilot reported no injuries; one passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair.