What happened
On 14 June 1999, a Minicab (JB01 Standard), registration G-AWEP, was being operated on a private flight near Temple Bruer, Lincolnshire. The flight was being conducted as a demonstration for a potential buyer. During the flight, a passenger joined the circuit to perform an approach and go-around on the grass runway.
As the aircraft progressed through the second approach, the pilot took control during the short finals stage. At this moment, the passenger was actively following through on the flight controls. During this critical phase, the pilot became distracted, which led to a failure to monitor the airspeed. Consequently, the aircraft's speed dropped below the 38 kt stalling threshold. The Minicab (JB01 Standard) entered a stall and made a heavy landing on the runway in a three-point attitude. The impact caused the wing to twist around its longitudinal axis, resulting in the breaking of the longeron and the frame that supports the attachment points.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, both of whom were secured in four-point harnesses.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances of the approach and the mechanical response of the airframe upon impact. The investigation established that the aircraft's speed had fallen below the minimum required for flight due to a lack of monitoring during the approach phase.