What happened
On 20 July 2008, a Streak Shadow SA, registration G-TTOY, was conducting a private flight from Popham Airfield to Brimpton Airfield. During the approach to the grass runway, the pilot performed three separate attempts to land. After two aborted approaches due to traffic and altitude concerns, the third approach was initiated at approximately 60 knots with flap 15.
While at an altitude between 100 and 120 feet, the aircraft experienced a rapid pitch-down. Although the pilot applied power to correct the attitude, the aircraft continued to descend and struck the ground with significant force short of the runway. The impact was followed by a second loud noise as the nose landing gear separated from the airframe. The aircraft slid along the ground toward the runway threshold, during which time the tail boom failed. The aircraft eventually came to a stop with the engine still running. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft with assistance from local club members.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight circumstances and the environmental conditions at Brimpton Airfield. It was noted that the runway surface was grass and the threshold was displaced by 100 metres. The pilot reported that trees located near the runway could create unusual wind effects when the wind blew from specific directions. Additionally, the pilot noted that his recent flying experience was limited, as this was his first flight of the year.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced low level wind shear during the final approach.
- The heavy impact occurred in the 100-metre undershoot area.
- The nose landing gear collapsed and the tail boom failed during the sequence of events.
- The pilot's lack of recent flying practice may have hindered the recognition of the wind shear potential caused by nearby trees.