What happened
On 16 June 2007, a Team Minimax aircraft, registration G-MYAT, was performing a cross-country flight from a private airfield in Norfolk to Sandown, Isle of Wight. The flight plan included a scheduled refueling stop at Laindon, Essex. Early in the journey, the pilot received weather updates from Norwich Airport indicating winds of 220 degrees at 10 to 12 knots.
As the flight progressed across the Thames Estuary, the pilot noted increasing wind speeds. Upon reaching the vicinity of Tunbridge Wells, the pilot decided that a precautionary landing was necessary due to the deteriorating weather. For approximately 15 minutes, the pilot searched for a suitable landing site, eventually identifying an area near Ditchling Beacon in Sussex.
During the descent, the aircraft encountered significant turbulence, characterized by dramatic rises and sags in altitude. As the pilot approached the landing site, the wind appeared to be strengthening. The aircraft was on final approach with full flaps and an indicated airspeed of 55 mph, with an estimated ground speed between 15 and 20 mph. At an altitude of roughly 10 feet, a powerful gust caused the aircraft to roll sharply to the right. The pilot responded with full left aileron and rudder to level the wings; however, this maneuver resulted in the left wing striking the ground, followed by the nose of the aircraft making contact with the surface.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent telephone interviews. The examination focused on the flight conditions and the pilot's decision-making process regarding the landing site selection and the impact of wind gusts on the aircraft's stability during the final approach.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, spinner, and left wing spar, along with damage to a starboard floor panel.
- There were no injuries to the pilot.
- The pilot later assessed that the wind strength at the accident site was likely between 30 and 35 knots.
- The pilot concluded that attempting to land in the lee of a large hill during such high wind conditions was an unwise decision.