What happened
On 20 November 2005, a Maule MX-7-180, registration G-BSKG, was conducting a private local flight. After completing the flight, the pilot decided to approach the grass Runway 24 at Top Farm, Cambridge. The pilot had noted the wind conditions at Cranfield Airfield and chose a curved final approach from the south to avoid a noise-sensitive area.
During the approach, the pilot landed the aircraft to the left of the runway threshold, in an area of young plants that appeared to be grass. As the aircraft performed its landing roll, it crossed an unmarked airfield boundary and entered the parking area. The aircraft then collided with the rear of the right wing of a parked light aircraft. The impact caused the left wing of the G-BS0KG to strike the parked aircraft. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft through the standard door without no injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the visibility conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the pilot was looking directly into the glare of the setting sun during the final approach, which significantly impaired forward vision. The pilot also noted that the landing roll took the aircraft into an area containing young plants, which may have contributed to the deviation from the runway.
Findings
- The pilot's forward visibility was significantly reduced because he was looking directly into the setting sun.
- The pilot focused primarily on maintaining the correct speed and height during the approach, which led to a lack of awareness regarding the parked aircraft.
- The pilot's reduced forward visibility from the sun led to the collision.
- The pilot later determined that an approach to the reciprocal runway would have been a safer alternative and that an early go-around should have been initiated.