History of the Flight
The aircraft departed Ledbury at 1130 hrs for a short flight to Eastbach (Spence) Airfield. Weather conditions were fine with a light wind of approximately 5 kt from the north‑west. The pilot intended to land on grass Runway 19, which was 470 m long with an upward slope.
Landing and Go-Around
During the approach, the pilot reported that the approach appeared normal and was flown at 55 kt IAS with full flap set. However, the touchdown was heavy and the aircraft bounced and floated for a distance before touching down again. The pilot judged that there was insufficient distance to stop safely before the hedge at the end of the runway and decided to abandon the landing. He applied full power and retracted one stage of flap. During the go-around, the aircraft struck the top of the hedge.
Post-Impact Fire
The left wing was torn off and the remainder of the aircraft continued into the field beyond, coming to rest on its left side. It immediately caught fire, with flames entering the cabin. Although the cabin door (on the right side of the fuselage) was successfully unlatched, the occupants were unable to reach up to open it due to the attitude of the aircraft. The pilot then kicked out the windscreen transparency, helped his passenger out through the gap, and then vacated the aircraft himself. He alerted the emergency services via mobile telephone. The pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was destroyed by the fire.
Pilot Observations
The pilot thought that trees near the strip had caused him to approach steeper than he otherwise would, which contributed to a misjudged flare and the heavy landing. Although the windsock indicated calm conditions, it was also likely that any wind present would have been a tailwind. He observed that the failure to clear the hedge was ultimately due to a slightly late decision to go-around.