What happened
On 13 June 2010, a Sukhoi SU-29, registration HA-YAO, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during the landing phase at North Weald Airfield, Essex. The aircraft, powered by a single Vedeneyev M14P piston engine, was approaching Runway 31, which is an asphalt surface measuring 650 metres in length and 45 metres in width.
During the landing sequence, the pilot reported a loss of visual references. As the aircraft descended, it drifted toward the right side of the runway. This lateral movement caused the right wing and the right aileron to make contact with a runway signboard. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained damage to the underside of the right wing and the right aileron.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the environmental conditions at the time of the occurrence, noting a surface wind from 240° at 10 knots. The examination focused on the aircraft's flight path and the pilot's loss of situational awareness regarding the runway boundaries.