What happened
On 2 July 2011, a Mainair Scorcher, registration G-MVBE, was conducting a private flight near Seaville, Cumbria. The pilot was returning to a local grass airstrip, which features a single 180-metre runway bordered by a hedge. During the approach, the pilot positioned the aircraft for a long final approach onto Runway 26, starting from an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet and a distance of about 6 nautical miles from the runway.
As the aircraft flew over the boundary of the airstrip, the undercarriage made contact with the perimeter hedge, leading to a heavy impact with the ground. The accident resulted in serious injuries to the pilot, who required airlift transport to a hospital. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had previously landed at this specific airstrip but had typically joined the overhead pattern before flying a circuit to position for landing. On this particular flight, the pilot noted that the descent path was lower than usual, though they believed the approach remained acceptable. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flying experience, noting 65 total hours, all of which were on this aircraft type.
Findings
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around after realizing the aircraft was below the standard descent path.
- The undercarriage struck a hedge while overflying the airstrip boundary, causing the subsequent ground impact.