What happened
On 28 June 2009, a Shadow Series CD, registration G-MWEZ, was conducting a private flight when it experienced a heavy landing at Plaistow Airfield in Hertfordshire. Prior to the approach, the pilot had checked the windsock at the airfield, which indicated calm conditions. This observation was consistent with reports from Luton Airport, located approximately 10 nautical miles away, which noted a wind of 110° at 6 knots. Based on the perception of no wind, the pilot elected to land on Runway 33.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft struck the ground with significant force. The impact occurred on an uphill slope, contributing to the severity of the landing. The landing resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained several structural issues, including a broken nosewheel leg, damage to the underside of the nose, and a bent tail boom.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the landing conditions at Plaistows Airfield and the meteorological data available at the time. The assessment focused on the discrepancy between the pilot's observation of calm winds and the actual forces encountered during the landing sequence on the sloped runway.