What happened
On 2 May 1999, a Rotax 447 powered aircraft, registration G-MYDF, was conducting a private cross-country flight. The flight originated from Headon Farm, Nottinghamshire, with a planned destination of Popham Airfield, Hampshire, including several intermediate stops. Approximately one hour into the journey, the pilot elected to terminate the flight due to deteriorating weather conditions, returning to Oxton Airfield.
While performing a low circuit and a shallow, powered approach to Runway 36, the pilot observed the aircraft losing altitude. Despite an attempt to increase engine power, the descent could not be arrested. The aircraft subsequently struck an oilseed rape crop located in the undershoot area of the runway. The impact with the vegetation caused a rapid deceleration and a nose-down pitch, leading the aircraft to strike the ground and flip forward. The aircraft came to rest five feet onto the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Examination of the event established that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings and forward fuselage. Although the cockpit area was severely impacted, the pilot's lap and shoulder harnesses functioned as intended, allowing the pilot to exit the wreckage uninjured.
Findings
- The pilot failed to manage the aircraft's airspeed effectively during the final stages of the approach.
- This lack of airspeed control resulted in the aircraft operating too close to its stall speed.
- The resulting sink rate led to the aircraft impacting the crops in the runway undershoot.