What happened
On 10 May 2008, a Pitts S1 Special, registration G-MAXG, was returning to York (Elvington) Airfield following participation in an aerobatic competition. The pilot intended to land partway down the 3,018 m runway to minimize the taxi distance to the parking area. During the approach, the pilot utilized a sideslip technique to maintain visibility of the runway. To avoid a long taxi, the pilot closed the throttle to idle during the approach, a maneuver noted as being uncommon for this aircraft type.
As the aircraft entered the flare, the pilot ceased the sideslip but failed to realize that the rate of descent had become excessively high. This resulted in a heavy three-point touchdown. The force of the impact caused the main landing gear legs to splay outwards. This movement caused the propeller, the left aileron spade, and the wheel fairings to strike the runway surface. Despite the impact, the pilot was able to taxi the aircraft back to the parking area and shut down the engine. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances of the approach and the pilot's management of the aircraft's energy and descent rate. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision to use a sideslip and the reduction of power to idle, as well as the visual challenges presented by the specific runway dimensions at Elvington.