What happened
On 27 March 1999, a Stampe SV4C(G), registration G-BWEF, was performing a private flight at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. During the landing phase on the grass runway 26 right, the aircraft was operating in light winds but faced significant glare from a bright setting sun. While the initial approach proceeded without incident, the pilot performed a high roundout, leading to a firm three-point landing.
Following the touchdown, the aircraft traveled approximately 30 metres along the runway. During this ground roll, the right wing began to drop, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right side of the runway. As the aircraft drifted off the runway surface, the right wing tip made contact with the ground. This impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward and ultimately come to rest in an inverted position. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the landing roll. The pilot noted that the intense sunlight from the setting sun likely contributed to the difficulty in judging the aircraft's height during the roundout phase of the landing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the misjudging of the roundout height during the landing.
- The bright setting sun likely obscured the pilot's ability to accurately assess the aircraft's altitude.
- The resulting firm landing and subsequent wing drop led to the aircraft leaving the runway and inverting.