What happened
On 29 June 2002, a Pitts S-2A, registration G-SIIA, was returning to Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, following a cross-country flight. During the initial approach to runway 29, the pilot was forced to perform a go-around because another aircraft was occupying the grass runway. At the time, wind conditions were noted at approximately 260°/20 kt, with gusts reaching 30 kt.
On the subsequent approach, the pilot utilized a sideslip maneuver to align the aircraft for landing. Just before reaching the runway threshold, the pilot leveled the wings and prepared for the landing flare. During this phase, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The wheel spats first made contact with crops located in the undershoot area. As the aircraft continued to sink, the main wheels struck the downwind lip of a tarmac taxiway situated just short of the threshold. This impact caused the aircraft to somersault, ultimately coming to rest in an inverted position. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, both of whom were secured in five-point harnesses. The aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the environmental conditions, noting the presence of crops under the final approach path and the location of the tarmac taxiway crossing the extended centerline. The pilot's experience and the aircraft's mechanical state were reviewed, and the flight conditions were characterized by significant turbulence.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered sudden loss of height caused by turbulence and windshear during the final approach.
- The impact with the taxiway lip was the primary factor in the aircraft's inversion.
- The presence of crops in the undershoot area contributed to the initial contact with the aircraft's landing gear.