What happened
On 7 June 2011, a Jabiru UL, registration G-BYNR, was conducting a private flight from Husbands Bosworth. The pilot had been flying for approximately 45 minutes and had passed several regular landmarks, including Hedon, Sturgate, and North Moor. While considering an intermediate landing at Breighton, the pilot opted to proceed to Rufforth Airfield.
During the approach to Runway 23, the aircraft joined the downwind leg and proceeded through the base leg. As the pilot lined up on final approach, the aircraft was observed by witnesses at the airfield to strike a tree at an altitude of approximately 50 feet. Following this contact, the aircraft performed a nose dive into the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries to the head and wrist and was subsequently transported to a hospital.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the flight path and the pilot's state of mind during the final stages of the flight. The pilot provided a candid account of the events, noting that he had been preoccupied with a physiological need during the approach phase.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear and the wing.
- The pilot admitted that a significant factor in the accident was that a need for a toilet call distracted his concentration during the final approach to the runway.