What happened
On 28 July 2012, a Societe Menavia CP301-C3 Emeraude, registration G-BIVF, was conducting a private 40-minute local flight. During the approach to a private grass airstrip near Rutland Water, the aircraft experienced a loss of airspeed and began to sink. In an attempt to correct the descent, the pilot applied engine power.
Despite this correction, the aircraft touched down heavily approximately 40 metres short of the intended start of the runway. The impact resulted in the collapse of the landing gear, causing damage to the fuselage, the propeller, and the engine cowling. Both the pilot and the passenger were wearing full safety harnesses, and no injuries were sustained during the event.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances of the landing and the flight conditions. At the time of the accident, the weather was clear with a temperature of 25°C and a westerly wind of approximately 10 knots. The airstrip, oriented 06/24, measured roughly 800 metres in length and was bordered by a hedge at the beginning of the 24 direction.
Investigators reviewed the pilot's flying experience, noting that while the commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence, they had only 196 total flying hours, with only 2 hours previously completed on this specific aircraft type. The pilot also had very limited recent experience, having flown only 3 hours in the preceding 90 days.
Findings
- The aircraft landed with excessive force short of the runway threshold.
- Low flying experience on the specific aircraft type was identified as a contributing factor to the accident.