History of the Flight
The pilot departed Wellesbourne Airfield with three passengers for a private flight to Earls Colne Airfield, Essex. Weather conditions were good, with a light surface wind from 190° at 05 kt and isolated scattered and broken cloud between 2,000 ft and 4,000 ft. The transit was uneventful. After passing over Clacton Airfield, the pilot contacted Earls Colne and was informed that the surface wind was light and variable, with Runway 24L in use.
Having joined the circuit, the pilot established the aircraft on the final approach but considered that he was high and executed a go-around. The second approach was normal and stabilised at 70 kt with two stages of flap selected. The aircraft was flared at the usual height but appeared to float further than normal; the pilot estimated that he had used up half the runway length when the mainwheels touched down.
Landing and Collision
The aircraft touched down on Runway 24L at Earls Colne Airfield, which has an asphalt surface 939 m long and 20 m wide, with a landing distance available of 778 m. When the pilot applied the brakes, the aircraft veered suddenly to the left. Despite the pilot's attempts to correct the heading with right rudder, the aircraft continued onto the grass. The pilot decided to go around and applied power, but the wheels appeared to dig in. Although the aircraft accelerated, there was insufficient airspeed to take off. He closed the throttle and applied maximum braking, but was unable to prevent his aircraft from colliding with two aircraft in the parking area. The pilot then isolated the fuel and electrical systems before all those on board evacuated the aircraft through the normal exit.
Damage and Injuries
Severe damage to the wings and fuselage was sustained. The pilot and three passengers reported no injuries.
Pilot Assessment
The pilot assessed the cause of the accident as a loss of control on landing, as he was unable to correct the veer to the left on the runway. This caused the aircraft to run onto the grass, and despite his efforts to correct the situation, he was unable to avoid the parked aircraft.