What happened
On 16 November 2010, a Robin R2112 Alpha, registration G-EWHT, was performing a private flight at Gloucestershire Airport. While attempting a crabbed approach to Runway 09, the pilot encountered conditions that led to a heavy touchdown. During the round-out phase, the aircraft's descent rate increased abruptly, causing it to strike the ground with significant force. The impact occurred approximately 3 feet short of the runway threshold. Following this initial contact, the aircraft bounced back into the air and subsequently touched down again short of the runway. The sequence of events resulted in damage to the aircraft's wings, the ventral fin, and the firewall, as well as the destruction of two runway edge lights.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the flight path during the landing phase. At the time of the incident, the surface wind was recorded at 140º at 5 knots. The investigation looked into the pilot's maneuvers and the possibility of atmospheric disturbances affecting the aircraft's stability during the approach and touchdown.