What happened
On 9 June 2007, a Mickleburgh L107, registration G-BZVC, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Fenland Airfield to a farm strip in Woodditton, located approximately 9 nm east of Cambridge Airport. The aircraft, a single-seat homebuilt composite design, landed on the 470 m grass strip without bouncing or any initial issues.
Following the touchdown, the pilot perceived the aircraft to be traveling at an excessive speed. Rather than performing a go-around, the pilot attempted to decelerate using the brakes. During this process, the aircraft veered toward the right, heading into an adjacent crop field. The aircraft's nose pitched downward, causing the propeller spinner to dig into the earth, which resulted in the aircraft turning upside down. The impact caused the canopy to shatter and resulted in damage to the left wingtip, fin, rudder, propeller, and spinner. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was able to contact the police following the accident. Although emergency services were initially dispatched, they were stood down once contact was made. The pilot's son and a friend arrived at the scene shortly after the event and assisted the pilot in exiting the overturned aircraft by lifting the tail.
Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the pilot's actions during the landing roll. It was noted that the pilot had previously used this farm strip when the surrounding crops were much lower. The proximity of the tall crops at the time of the accident contributed to a visual illusion of high speed.
Findings
- The aircraft veered off the landing strip due to inappropriate differential brake application or a loss of concentration while applying the right brake.
- The pilot's perception of excessive speed was likely an illusion caused by the closeness of the high crops lining the strip.
- The pilot failed to execute a go-around despite the perceived speed issue, choosing instead to attempt to stop on the strip.