What happened
On 25 May 2012, a Skyranger 912(2), registration G-CCBJ, was performing a private flight at Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome in Bedfordshire. While executing a standard overhead join for runway 03, the pilot observed the windsock and estimated that the surface wind was aligned with the runway. The pilot proceeded with a normal circuit and approach.
As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, it encountered rough air that caused the aircraft to roll toward the left. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full power alongside full opposite aileron and right rudder. Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft was unable to stabilize and struck the ground to the left of the runway. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, sustained one minor injury and was able to exit the aircraft via the left door. The airfield fire and rescue service attended the scene.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the pilot's assessment of the wind. While the pilot initially believed the windsock indicated a wind in line with the runway, it was determined that the windsock had likely been indicating a temporary gust rather than the steady wind. The investigation established that the actual wind was blowing primarily across the runway from the right.