What happened
On 21 May 2005, a MCR-01 Club Banbi, registration G-LMLV, was conducting a private flight from Cambridge to Nayland Airfield in Essex. Upon approaching Nayland, the pilot noted a forecast wind of 090 degrees at 13 knots. The pilot opted to use Runway 32, which is a 600 m grass runway characterized by an undulating surface and a steep upward slope. At the time of the landing, the grass surface was wet.
As the aircraft was on its landing roll, a sudden squall moved through the area, resulting in a localized increase in wind speed. This gust prevented the pilot from bringing the aircraft to a halt within the available runway length. To prevent the aircraft from exiting the runway and colliding with a nearby hedge, the pilot performed a deliberate ground loop.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the runway conditions, the meteorological impact during the landing phase, and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the maneuver.
Findings
- The landing occurred on a wet, grass surface with an uphill gradient.
- A sudden increase in wind speed caused by a squall occurred during the landing roll.
- The pilot executed a controlled ground loop to avoid an excursion into a hedge, which resulted in damage to the undercarriage leg and flap mount.