Introduction
On 5 September 2012, a Tecnam P92-EA Echo (registration G-CBGE) sustained damage during a landing accident at a farm strip near Ledbury, Herefordshire. The aircraft was on a private flight with a single pilot and no passengers. No injuries were reported.
Details of the Flight
The pilot, who held a National Private Pilot’s Licence with 210 hours total flying experience (120 on type), made an overhead join to the farm strip. The surface wind reported at Gloucestershire Airport, approximately 12 miles away, was 350° at 8 to 10 kt. However, the windsock at the farm strip indicated a wind that did not appear to favour either runway direction, so the pilot elected to land on Runway 25.
During the approach, the pilot became aware of a wind from the right and used the crab technique to maintain the aircraft on the runway centre line. The approach initially appeared normal until the pilot initiated the flare and reduced engine power.
Landing and Ground Loop
As the aircraft started to drift to the left side of the runway, the pilot attempted to correct. On touchdown, the aircraft was angled towards the edge of the runway. The pilot braked and applied rudder to regain the centre line. However, the aircraft ground looped, during which it momentarily tipped onto its left wing and nose. The left wingtip and nosewheel assembly were damaged.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot stated that, in his opinion, the incident happened as a result of braking hard and steering the aircraft to avoid some rough ground.