What happened
On 27 June 2011, a Pitts S-1S Special, registration G-STYL, was performing a private flight at an unlicensed airstrip in Shelsley Beauchamp, Worcestershire. During the final approach to Runway 13, the pilot utilized a right sideslip technique to maintain visibility of the narrow runway. The aircraft achieved a smooth three-point touchdown approximately 40 metres along the 630-metre airstrip.
As the aircraft rolled along the runway, it drifted toward the right. Despite the pilot's attempt to correct the drift using the left brake, the right wing entered standing crop located just beyond the 20-metre-wide runway edge. This contact caused the aircraft to yaw and subsequently nose over into the crop, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot successfully deactivated the ignition, battery master, and fuel cock before exiting the aircraft. Although the canopy initially jammed due to the pilot's weight, he was able to egress without no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's movement during the landing rollout and the pilot's chosen approach method. The pilot noted that the sideslip technique used was a standard procedure for this aircraft type. The investigation also looked into the physical state of the aircraft following the impact, which resulted in damage to the left wingtip, left tailplane, fin, and rudder.