What happened
On 7 May 2004, a Slingsby T61F Venture T Mk 2, registration G-BSWL, was conducting a private flight at Talgarth Airfield in Powys, Wales. The pilot, who was performing his first flight in this specific aircraft type in two decades, intended to complete a circuit involving a low approach and a go-around, followed by a second landing attempt.
Weather conditions were favorable, with a 10-knot wind from 340° and the use of the grass Runway 27. After completing the initial circuit and a planned go-around, the pilot commenced a second approach. This approach was noted to be slightly fast and high, with a speed of 55 kt over the threshold. The aircraft touched down approximately 150 metres along the runway. Upon applying the brakes, the pilot found they were largely ineffective. Realising that the remaining runway distance was insufficient to stop, the pilot attempted to ground loop the aircraft to decelerate.
During this maneuver, the leading edge of the port wing struck a post from an electric fence used for containing sheep, resulting in a 4-inch crack in the 'D' box of the wing.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to mitigate a runway excursion by intentionally ground looping the aircraft.
- The aircraft struck a fence post during the ground loop.
- The landing approach was characterized by excessive speed and height relative to the threshold.
- An alternative runway (Runway 23) might have provided a more suitable touchdown point and a longer up-slope for deceleration, despite the presence of a crosswind.