Accident Overview
A pilot landing at a private strip near Wentworth experienced braking difficulties after touchdown, resulting in a collision with a stone wall. The incident occurred on a runway oriented 110/290° with multiple level changes; operations were restricted to landings in the 110° direction and takeoffs in the 290° direction. The touchdown zone was a level section, after which the ground rose steeply and then leveled again. The final portion sloped gently downward, ending at a dry stone wall.
Runway and Weather Conditions
Police photographs taken soon after the event showed the runway surface to be closely mown grass and firm, despite recent rain. The wind was reported as 220° at 10 knots. The pilot noted that the approach was made directly into the setting sun, making it difficult to monitor the airspeed indicator.
Landing and Braking
Touchdown was achieved on the first level portion of the runway. The pilot applied brakes almost immediately but reported no discernible braking action, even after increasing pedal pressure. As the stone wall at the runway end approached, the pilot steered the aircraft to the right toward a hedge. However, the left wing struck the wall, causing severe damage outboard of the engine. The pilot was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft normally.
Evidence and Pilot Statement
Police photographs indicated that the main wheels were skidding on the wet grass for nearly the entire landing roll, which spanned about 630 meters. The pilot acknowledged that his airspeed might have been somewhat high but stated he did not feel his ground speed was unusual at touchdown. He attributed the lack of braking action to the slippery runway surface.