What happened
On 31 August 2003, a Squarecraft SA102-5 Cavalier, registration G-BDLY, was conducting a private flight from Thruxton to Brimpton Airfield. The weather conditions at the time were clear with good visibility and a light northerly wind. As the pilot approached Runway 25, the aircraft was configured with landing flaps and maintained an approach speed of 60 kt.
Upon crossing the runway threshold, the aircraft experienced a rapid descent and made a firm touchdown slightly left of the runway centerline. A crosswind acting on the right wing caused the aircraft to veer toward a row of parked planes. In an attempt to avoid a collision with these stationary aircraft, the pilot applied maximum braking. This maneuver caused the aircraft to tip over onto its back. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the incident. Following the overturn, the pilot successfully deactivated the electrical master switch and released his harness, while bystanders assisted in lifting the tail to extract him from the cockpit.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the aircraft's flight path during the final approach and the subsequent loss of control on the runway surface. The examination established that the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the cockpit, fuselage, and wings.