Introduction
On 26 February 2001 at 1130 UTC, a Jurca Sirocco, registered G-BUGC, was destroyed in an accident at Swanton Morley Airfield, Norfolk. The aircraft was manufactured in 2000 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D piston engine. The flight was a test flight with only the pilot on board.
Flight Details
The pilot, holding a Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence and aged 64, had accumulated 10,032 flying hours, of which 5 were on the accident aircraft type. His recent flying experience was limited: 2 hours in the last 90 days and 2 hours in the last 28 days. The purpose of the brief flight was to check the operation and indications of the undercarriage system.
Forecast meteorological conditions for the flight included surface wind 190°/10-12 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, no cloud below 2,500 feet, and no significant weather. The runway in use at Swanton Morley was Runway 27, which is 650 metres long and 45 metres wide with a damp grass surface.
Accident Sequence
After completing airborne undercarriage checks, the pilot returned to the airfield, flying a left-hand circuit for Runway 27. He completed the final turn at 80 mph with the gear down and half flap selected. The pilot reported that the windsock indicated the surface wind was southerly at 10 to 15 kt. This led him to believe he would encounter turbulence on the approach below 300 feet, so he increased power to maintain an approach speed of 75 mph.
While on short finals, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to roll to the right. Despite the application of full left lateral control and an increase in power, the pilot was unable to prevent the right wing tip from striking the ground. The aircraft then cartwheeled and came to rest inverted.
Aftermath
The pilot selected the magnetos, master electric switch, and fuel to 'OFF' and released his lap and shoulder harness. However, he was unable to vacate the aircraft until airfield staff arrived and lifted the aircraft, providing enough space for him to crawl out. The pilot sustained no injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.