What happened
On 21 June 2009, a Mainair Blade 912, registration G-WAKE, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Strathaven Airfield toward Oban Airfield. During the flight, the pilot observed deteriorating weather conditions on the western side of Tarbert, which prompted the decision to perform a precautionary landing.
The pilot selected a field located near Kilberry, Argyll, for the landing. Upon touchdown, a tyre on the aircraft burst due to contact with small stones that were obscured by the grass in the uneven terrain. Following the puncture, the pilot attempted to use the brakes to stop the aircraft; however, the field featured a slight downward gradient toward its boundary. This slope, combined with the loss of braking effectiveness, caused a longer ground roll than anticipated. The aircraft drifted laterally across the field, weaving left and right, before eventually colliding with a wall at the edge of the field.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the pilot's decision to land and the physical conditions of the landing site. It was established that the pilot encountered deteriorating visibility and weather, necessitating the diversion. The investigation also focused on the landing gear and the surface of the field, noting that the terrain was rougher than the pilot had initially estimated and contained hidden debris.