Accident Summary
On 24 April 2010 at 0955 hours, a Maule M5-235C Lunar Rocket, registration G-BVFT, was involved in an accident at Glanusk Park, Crickhowell, Powys. The aircraft was on a private flight with one pilot on board and no passengers. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot’s Licence with 193 hours of flying experience (138 hours on type), reported no injuries.
Pilot Actions
En route to his destination strip, the pilot listened to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) for Gloucestershire Airport, 37 nautical miles to the east, which reported a surface wind from 190° at 5 knots. The landing strip at Glanusk Park is grass, oriented approximately 110/290°. The pilot flew an approach in the north-westerly direction. The approach was slightly high, and he side-slipped the aircraft to lose height. He reported that the approach had felt “fast” and that the landing was “long and fast”.
As the aircraft approached the fence at the end of the strip, the pilot retracted flap and applied power to go around. He stated there was insufficient time to complete the correct short-field takeoff procedure and, despite a final attempt to lift off, the aircraft struck the fence and then a tree trunk, against which it came to a halt.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, propeller, lower engine cowl, engine, rear fuselage, and tail wheel.
Probable Cause
The pilot attributed the accident to lack of recent flying experience, poor judgement of the wind (which locally was a strong tailwind), and a late decision to go around.