What happened
On 30 July 2000, a Jodel DR1005, registration G-AWWN, was participating in a fly-in at Baxterley, Warwickshire. While joining a busy left-hand circuit to land on a 400-metre grass runway, the pilot encountered power lines positioned approximately 50 feet above the ground on the final approach. To avoid these obstacles, a steeper approach than usual was required.
The aircraft touched down past the runway threshold and subsequently bounced into the air, making a second contact halfway down the strip. As the end of the runway approached, the pilot considered a go-around; however, the aircraft's airspeed had already dropped too low to make the maneuver possible. In an attempt to stop, the pilot applied heavy braking and initiated a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the left wing made contact with a small tree located within the boundary hedge, striking the tree approximately 3 feet from the wingtip.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing, the impact with the tree, and the environmental factors present during the flight. The investigation established that the pilot was wearing a lap and diagonal seat belt and was able to exit the aircraft without any injuries. The damage sustained by the aircraft included impacts to the pitot head, the left aileron, and the underside of the left wing.
Findings
- The landing was characterized by a misjudged touchdown and a subsequent bounce.
- The presence of power lines on final approach necessitated a steeper approach profile.
- The pilot failed to initiate a go-around during the bounce before the aircraft's speed became insufficient for the maneuver.