What happened
On 25 April 2007, a Tanarg/Ixess 15 912S(1), registration G-CEBH, was conducting a private local flight originating from Roddige Airfield, Staffordshire. During the return to the airfield, the pilot attempted to land on the dry, grass Runway 09, which measured 440 metres in length.
As the aircraft reached the flare stage of the landing, it ballooned upward. This resulted in a heavy touchdown, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and into a field of rape. The momentum of the impact caused the aircraft to roll onto its side. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The examination of the flight parameters revealed that the aircraft was traveling at a speed slightly higher than ideal for the landing configuration. The physical inspection of the aircraft following the event identified damage to the front steering mechanism and the fuselage pod.