What happened
On 10 August 2013, a MW5 Sorcerer, registration G-MWSX, was performing a local flight from the Tinnell Farm landing strip in Landulph, Cornwall. As the pilot was completing the final approach from the north-east, the aircraft encountered turbulence just before reaching the field boundary. During this phase of flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft turned to the left and impacted the ground to the left of the centreline, eventually coming to rest approximately 15 metres east of the impact point. The pilot sustained serious injuries but was able to contact emergency services via mobile phone. The aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot noted that wind speeds had increased significantly throughout the ninety-minute duration of the flight. The investigation focused on the aerodynamic effects of the surrounding landscape on the aircraft's approach path. The pilot indicated that the trees located at the field boundary, which sat to the side of the approach, likely created a localized area of disturbed air.