What happened
On 17 July 2007, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-SJEN, was performing a private flight in the vicinity of Strathaven Airfield, Lanarkshire. Following a short local flight, the pilot prepared to land on Runway 09. However, after observing the windsock, the pilot noted that the wind had shifted from the east to 9 knots, making Runway 27 more favorable for landing.
The pilot initiated a go-around and retracted the flaps, intending to fly a short circuit to the south to reposition the aircraft on final approach for the reciprocal runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft flew over a ridge of hills where towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds were present, and lightning was visible. As the aircraft turned right over a line of trees at approximately 300 ft agl, the pilot reported a loss of control effectiveness. The aircraft descended steeply behind the trees and came to rest in a field of long grass located approximately one-quarter mile east of the airfield.
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries during the incident. The aircraft suffered significant damage to the propeller, engine, cowling, landing gear, and fuselage.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the flight path, the meteorological conditions, and the physical evidence at the landing site. Investigators noted that the aircraft was operating at 440 kg, which was very close to its maximum authorised takeoff weight of 450 kg.
At the landing site, witness marks in the established long grass indicated that the aircraft had been in a left-wing-low attitude just before a heavy three-point landing on its landing gear. The impact caused the nose and left main landing gear to collapse, and the aircraft slewed approximately 90 degrees to the left.
Findings
- The pilot concluded that the aircraft had stalled during the right-hand turn.
- Possible windshear associated with the nearby cumulonimbus clouds and a downdraught in the lee of the trees was identified as a potential factor.
- The presence of lightning in the area was considered a contributing factor to the pilot's decision-making and the flight environment.