What happened
On 17 August 2013, a Morane Saulnier MS.893A Rallye Commodore 180, registration G-AVVJ, was conducting a private flight around north Norfolk. As the pilot prepared to land at Felthorpe Airfield on Runway 23, the wind conditions were noted at 260 degrees with a 20-knot velocity. The approach initially proceeded normally at 70 knots with full flaps deployed.
During the final stages of the approach, approximately 500 yards from the runway threshold, the aircraft's speed dropped to 6ണ്ട5 knots. At this moment, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, causing the left wing to strike a line of trees. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw to the left. Although the pilot attempted to correct the deviation, the low airspeed prevented the aircraft from avoiding the tree line. The aircraft eventually came to rest nose-down, suspended from a tree, with the engine detached and the left wingtip resting on the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries and exited the aircraft through a broken windscreen.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight parameters, including the wind conditions and the aircraft's speed during the final approach. The assessment focused on the sequence of events leading from the stable approach to the contact with the trees and the subsequent loss of control.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at a low airspeed during the final approach.
- A wind gust caused the right wing to lift, leading to the left wing striking the trees.
- The low airspeed prevented the pilot from effectively countering the yaw caused by the initial impact.
- The impact resulted in the engine detaching from the airframe and the aircraft being damaged beyond economic repair.