What happened
On 2 April 2013, a Skyranger Swift 912S, registration G-CGKZ, was conducting a private flight near Cockerham, Lancashire. The flight was part of a series of maneuvers intended to maintain pilot currency. After an initial departure from Runway 02, the aircraft returned to the airfield approximately 30 minutes later.
During the landing phase on Runway 02, the pilot established a standard right-hand circuit, utilizing two stages of flaps and aft trim. While the approach was otherwise normal, a slight leftward drift was noted. As the pilot initiated the flare at the appropriate height and touchdown point, a powerful gust of wind from the right struck the aircraft. This sudden force lifted the right wing, causing the left mainwheel and the nosewheel to impact the runway surface with significant force. The impact resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear, leading the aircraft to slide across the grass. The momentum caused the aircraft to pitch forward, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the two occupants, who exited the aircraft through the standard doors.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the meteorological environment at Tarn Farm. Investigators noted that the airfield's proximity to the Bowland Fells can lead to turbulence and significant gusts, particularly when winds have an easterly component. At the time of the accident, the wind was recorded at 050° at 10 knots, but the windsock had previously indicated brief periods of easterly wind. The pilot's assessment focused on the timing of the wind gust, which occurred at a very low altitude, leaving insufficient margin to recover the aircraft's attitude or execute a go-around.