What happened
On 3 May 2008, a Savannah VG Jabiru microllight, registration G-CEGK, was conducting a private flight from Popham airfield to Church Inn Field, a private landing strip located near Chichester. Following a successful landing in a south-westerly direction, the pilot and passenger briefly disembarked to visit a nearby residence.
Upon returning to the aircraft, the pilot noted that the wind conditions had shifted to a light, favourable north-easterly direction, making a takeoff from the strip possible. The pilot commenced a climb to approximately 40 and then attempted an approach to land in this new direction. However, when the aircraft was roughly 100 metres from the threshold and at an altitude of about 30 ft, it encountered a severe downdraught. Despite the pilot applying full engine power, the aircraft could not arrest its descent and struck the ground with significant force. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to slew to the left, which resulted in the propeller and both wingtips making contact with the earth. Both occupants, who were secured in full harnesses, escaped the accident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the local topography surrounding the airfield. Met Office data indicated that surface winds were blowing from 120° to 130° at 10 to 15 knots. The investigation focused on the interaction between these winds and the ridges situated to the east and west of the landing strip.
Findings
- The airfield is situated near the base of a western ridge.
- The prevailing wind direction would have placed the landing strip downwind of the eastern ridge.
- The investigation established that the accident was caused by a severe downdraught encountered during the final stages of the approach.
- Local topography, specifically the presence of nearby ridges, likely created the turbulent airflow and vertical wind changes experienced by the aircraft.