What happened
On 12 July 2013, a Pietenpol Air Camper, registration G-DAYZ, was performing a private flight at Bolt Head Airfield in Devon. During the landing phase on the grass runway, the aircraft experienced a bounce upon touchdown. Following this bounce, the aircraft veered toward the right. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, causing the aircraft to enter a corn crop approximately 2 feet in height. The impact nearly caused the aircraft to flip, resulting in an inverted position. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft with help from members of the local flying club.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing, noting that the wind conditions at the time were reported as light and variable. The physical damage to the aircraft included impacts to the propeller, cowling, wing, and fin. The pilot's experience on this specific type of aircraft was noted as 8 hours out of a total of 319 flying hours.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a bounce during the touchdown phase on the grass strip.
- The pilot was unable to counter the rightward yaw following the bounce.
- The aircraft's path led it into a low-lying corn crop, which contributed to the loss of control and the eventual inversion.