What happened
On 8 August 2003, a Robin DR 400/140B Major, registration G-BALH, was conducting a local area flight originating from Fenland airfield. While flying over the grass airstrip at Martin Fenn, Lincolnshire, the pilot observed a friend at the site and decided to perform an unscheduled landing. The pilot initiated a left-hand circuit at 500 feet above ground level.
Conditions were calm, and the pilot selected Runway 26 for the arrival. This runway consisted of a firm grass surface measuring roughly 350 metres in length and 25 metres in width, with bushes and a ditch located at the western boundary. The aircraft was configured with landing flaps deployed during the downwind leg, and the approach speed was maintained at 65 kt.
During the landing roll, the aircraft touched down further along the runway than the pilot had originally intended. Although the pilot initially believed there was sufficient distance to decelerate, it became evident within the final 50 metres of the strip that the aircraft would not stop before the runway terminated. Consequently, the aircraft's wings collided with bushes at the end of the strip, resulting in significant damage to the wing leading edges. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry examined the landing technique, the runway characteristics at Martin Fenn, and the aircraft's performance during the touchdown and rollout phase.