What happened
On 18 June 2000, a Jodel D1t9, registration G-AXFN, was conducting a private flight from Ashbourne to Netherthorpe. During the approach to Netherthorpe Airfield, the pilot attempted to establish radio contact with the air-to-ground operator but received no response, despite being able to communicate with other aircraft in the circuit. After observing the windsock and signal square, the pilot proceeded with a left-hand circuit for Runway 24.
As the aircraft approached the final stage of landing, the pilot encountered turbulence at approximately 400 feet, necessitating a slight increase in airspeed. During the flare, the aircraft floated further than anticipated. As the landing roll progressed, the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft to the left to avoid a boundary hedge, directing the plane into an area of long grass and scrub. At a speed of approximately 5 knots, the aircraft struck a piece of discarded farm machinery that had been obscured by overgrown vegetation. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller and the left wing. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances of the aircraft's excursion into the grass area and the presence of the obstacle. It was established that the pilot was unable to communicate with the airfield's ground operator during the arrival. The investigation examined the airfield's runway configuration, noting that while Runway 24 is 450 metres long, the use of a displaced threshold reduces the usable landing distance to 370 metres. The investigation also confirmed that the farm machinery involved in the collision had been left in the area and was hidden from view by the height of the grass.