What happened
On 6 May 2008, a private flight involving an Ikarus C42 FB, registration G-EGGI, was conducting circuits at Bitteswell Farm Strip near Lutterworth, Leicestershire. After taking off from Runway 31, the pilot encountered severe turbulence and gusting winds at an altitude between 100 and 300 feet. Due to these unstable conditions, the pilot decided to terminate the flight and descend for an immediate landing.
During the final approach to Runway 31, the pilot utilized full flaps but struggled to maintain a consistent approach speed of 50 knots due to the gusty environment. The aircraft touched down at the normal upwind end of the runway; however, the pilot quickly realized the groundspeed was much higher than anticipated, likely due to a slight tailwind component.
In an attempt to prevent the aircraft from overrunning the runway, the pilot applied the wheel brakes with little success. The pilot then initiated a go-around using full power. While the aircraft initially lifted off, it began tracking to the right as it approached the end of the strip. Approximately 60 meters from the boundary, the aircraft struck a tall hedge at a height of roughly 25 feet, resulting in extensive damage to the airframe. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight conditions and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation established that the wind was light and variable, primarily from the southeast, but the turbulence was significant. The pilot noted that the aircraft's groundspeed was excessive during the landing roll.
It was also noted that although the aircraft was equipped with a GPS navigation system, it was not active during the flight because the pilot only intended to perform local circuits. The investigation determined that had the aircraft not drifted to the right during the go-around, it likely would have cleared the lower boundary hedge.