Sequence of Events
The pilot planned to fly from Farnborough to Old Sarum to collect two passengers before continuing to Land's End. After an uneventful flight to Old Sarum, the pilot updated weather information for Land's End and Exeter via meteorological forms and telephone. The reported conditions at Land's End were surface wind 070°/10 kt, visibility 25 km, with no significant cloud. Runway 07 was in use.
The aircraft departed Old Sarum at 1345 hrs, cruising at 3,000 feet. Upon contacting Land's End at approximately 1510 hrs, the pilot learned the surface wind had shifted to 030°/20 kt, gusting 25 kt. Choosing a headwind, the pilot opted for Runway 03, a dry grass strip with 544 metres available landing distance and 18 metres width, with a 30-metre threshold displacement for clearance over a dry stone wall partially covered by a hedge.
Joining a left-hand visual circuit at 1,000 feet QFE, the pilot aimed to touch down on the runway designator numbers. Runway 03 had an incline for its first 10%, and the pilot intended to use this plus the strong headwind to decelerate. During final approach at 75 kt, the aircraft experienced an increased rate of descent crossing a valley. The pilot increased throttle, and the engine responded, re-establishing the approach on a shallower glidepath. Near the runway, the descent rate increased again. The pilot applied full power to go around, but the left landing gear struck the stone wall about 15 inches from the top, then hit the runway marker board. The aircraft lost flying speed, the left wing dropped, and the pilot applied full right aileron, possibly right rudder, and closed the throttle. The aircraft slid west, coming to rest across the western boundary road. No fuel spill or fire occurred. The pilot switched off fuel and battery master, and all three occupants evacuated.
Weight and Balance
The aircraft's calculated landing weight at Land's End was 2,372 lb, below the maximum landing weight of 2,407 lb, with CG at mid-position. The TB-10 flight manual provided landing data for maximum weight in calm conditions: approach speed 72 kt, threshold height 50 feet, runway elevation 410 ft amsl, temperature +8°C, with a 20% increase for short dry grass. Calculated landing distance: 1,720 feet; available: 1,789 feet. The pilot believed the distance would be adequate given the headwind. He considered wind shear due to terrain but found its severity unexpected.
Damage
Both wings sustained extensive damage. The nose and left main landing gear detached. The propeller was bent and the engine shock-loaded. The windscreen split.