Aircraft and Flight Details
The accident involved a Maule M5-235C Lunar Rocket, registration G-RAIN, manufactured in 1979. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-540-J1A5D piston engine. The flight was conducted under a Private category and took off from an unspecified location.
Accident Sequence
On 22 August 2008 at 1725 hours UTC, the aircraft was approaching Perrow Farm, Crickham, Somerset. According to the pilot, he was deliberately flying low and slow during the approach. A gust of tailwind contributed to an uncontrollable sink, causing the aircraft to strike the bank of the airstrip boundary ditch. The impact pitched the aircraft nose-down. It came to rest inverted approximately 50 meters beyond the ditch. There was no fire.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, who held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had 14,502 total flying hours (60 on type), was not injured. The sole passenger sustained serious injuries. Both occupants exited the aircraft: the pilot through the cabin door and the passenger with assistance. The aircraft sustained extensive damage.
Pilot Experience
The 57-year-old commander had flown 50 hours in the last 90 days and 15 hours in the last 28 days. His experience on the Maule M5-235C type totaled 60 hours.
Investigation Source
The information was derived from the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot and published in AAIB Bulletin 11/2008 (ref EW/G2008/08/17).