What happened
On 17 September 1999, a Taylor Monoplane, registration G-WARD, was performing a private flight at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. While approaching the grass runway 26L, the pilot was informed of a surface wind of 230 degrees at 15 knots. As the aircraft entered the landing flare, the wind conditions shifted significantly; air traffic control records indicated that winds had been varying between 180 and 260 degrees with gusts reaching 28 knots. Specifically, as the aircraft approached the ground, a gust of 220 degrees at 22 knots occurred.
During this flare, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift on the left wing, causing it to corkscrew and roll toward the right. The pilot was unable to counteract this movement, resulting in the right main landing gear making contact with the ground first. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the northern edge of the runway. The pilot, who was wearing a helmet and full upper torso restraint, was able to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's movement during the final moments of flight and the meteorological conditions present at the time. Investigators reviewed the ATC occurrence report, which noted the visible lift in the left wing and the subsequent corkscrew motion of the aircraft. The inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the propeller, the lower cowl, the landing gear, and the wing spar.