What happened
On 30 December 2000, a Renegade 912, registration G-RENE, was conducting a private flight in Addingham, Yorkshire. Following a successful initial landing on a grass field, the pilot commenced a second circuit with the intention of performing a practice emergency landing. This maneuver was designed to simulate a scenario involving a significantly shortened landing run.
The field surface was covered with a light layer of snow, and the available landing strip measured approximately 430 metres in length. As the aircraft approached the field, the pilot noted that the airspeed was lower than optimal and expressed concern regarding the proximity of Leylandii trees, which stood between 6 and 7 metres high, across the undershoot area.
The aircraft made a heavy touchdown roughly 20 metres into the field. Shortly after contact with the ground, the main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to an abrupt stop. The impact resulted in damage to the wings, the propeller, and the main landing gear. The pilot, who was secured by a five-point harness, was able to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the conditions of the landing site, noting the presence of snow on the grass and the obstacles located at the end of the landing area. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight parameters during the final approach, specifically noting the low approach speed and the pilot's preoccupation with the trees in the undershoot.