What happened
On 16 May 2010, a Quik GT450, registration G-CEBD, was conducting a private flight when it crashed near Arclid Airfield in Cheshire. During the approach to the runway, the aircraft encountered turbulence while flying over a line of trees situated just before the runway threshold. This instability caused the pilot to touch down later than intended. As the aircraft continued along the runway, it collided with a wire fence located at the far boundary hedge. The impact caused the aircraft to tip onto its side, coming to rest immediately beyond the hedge. The accident resulted in one serious injury to a passenger and one minor injury to the pilot. The aircraft sustained damage that was beyond economic repair.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the flight path of the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft was flying through turbulent air caused by the nearby trees during the final stages of the approach. It was determined that the pilot failed to recognize the necessity of performing a go-around when the aircraft's touchdown point shifted significantly due to the environmental conditions and the resulting loss of control precision.