What happened
On 6 September 1999, a Piper J3C-65, registration G-AXHR, was performing a private flight approaching Runway 32 at Nayland Airfield. During the final approach, the aircraft encountered windshear while passing over a dirt road lined with trees approximately 50 feet in height. The sudden change in wind conditions caused the aircraft to sink, and the pilot was unable to increase engine power quickly enough to clear the treeline. As a result, the main landing gear struck the tops of the trees.
Following the impact with the trees, the aircraft veered left toward a nearby field. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in this area, which required flying beneath several power lines. During the touchdown, the main landing gear struck recently ploughed earth, causing the gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the main landing gear. While the pilot escaped without injury, the passenger sustained a minor injury consisting of a nosebleed.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight path, the environmental conditions, and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The inquiry established that the wind at the time was variable, ranging between 190° and 280° at approximately 8 knots. The investigation also noted that the occupants were restrained only by lap harnesses at the time of the incident.