What happened
On 25 April 2009, a Pierre Robin R11tosecond-type aircraft, registration G-VECD, was performing a private flight returning to Eddsfield Airfield in East Yorkshire. Prior to landing, the pilot contacted Eddsfield Radio and was advised of a 12-knot crosswind originating from the south. After conducting a circuit to the north to assess the weather, the pilot commenced a standard crosswind approach to Runway 09.
While the initial touchdown on the grass runway appeared normal, the left wing subsequently lifted. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot inadvertently caused the plane to become airborne a second time. At the moment of this second touchdown, the pilot determined there was inadequate runway remaining to either execute a go-around or come to a complete stop. Consequently, the aircraft struck a hedge at the end of the runway, resulting in one serious injury to a passenger and substantial damage to the aircraft's wings, canopy, and propeller.
The investigation
Investigators examined the runway dimensions and surrounding obstacles at the unlicensed airfield. While various guides provided differing lengths for Runway 09, ranging from 700 to 800 metres, measurements obtained via Google Earth placed the distance from the threshold to a 20-foot hedge at approximately 730 metres. Beyond this hedge, 80-foot trees were located roughly 90 metres away.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a wing lift following the initial touchdown.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the wing lift resulted in a second, uncontrolled touchdown.
- A change in wind direction to a partial tailwind was identified by the pilot as the likely cause of the instability.