What happened
On 28 July 2006, a Luscombe Silvaire 8E, registration G-BVMD, was conducting a private flight approaching Great Massingham Airfield in Norfolk from the south. Upon arrival, the pilot observed the windsock aligned with Runway 04/22 and incorrectly interpreted the wind direction as being from 220º. In reality, the wind was recorded as blowing from approximately 040º.
Based on this misinterpretation, the pilot commenced a landing on Runway 22, which resulted in a downwind approach. Although the pilot applied corrective rudder, the aircraft's groundspeed was significantly higher than anticipated due to the wind conditions. During the landing roll, the pilot applied heavy right wheel braking to maintain control. This braking action, combined with the high groundspeed, caused the aircraft to veer to the left. As the pilot attempted to straighten the aircraft, it entered a ground loop to the right. The force of the maneuver caused the left landing gear to collapse, leading to damage to the left wing tip, the propeller, and the fuselage.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the wind conditions at the time of the accident and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. The investigation established that the pilot had misread the windsock, leading to the decision to land on a runway that effectively resulted in a downwind landing.