History of the Flight
On 1 June 2009, a Tecnam P92-EM Echo, registration G-DWPF, was conducting a private flight from a private airstrip to Kilkeel Airfield in Northern Ireland. The pilot, holding a National Private Pilot’s Licence with 41 hours total flying experience (14 hours on type), had completed several solo flights earlier that day before picking up a passenger for the short flight. The takeoff and initial flight were reported as uneventful.
Accident Sequence
Approaching the northbound grass runway at Kilkeel, the pilot initially flew at an indicated airspeed of 60 kt and then selected full flap. Judging the aircraft to be lower than intended at approximately 100 ft, he applied power and raised the nose. Finding this insufficient to regain the desired approach path, he applied full power and raised the nose further. The aircraft then rolled suddenly to the left. The pilot could not recall subsequent control inputs but remembered the aircraft hitting the ground in a banked right and nose-down attitude.
Aftermath and Damage
The aircraft came to rest in an agricultural compound near the southern boundary of the airfield, about 60 m west of the extended runway centreline, demolishing a low breeze block wall. There was no fire. Extensive damage occurred to the fuselage and left wing; the right wing detached. The cabin remained essentially intact, providing a survivable space for both occupants. The pilot vacated the aircraft unaided and assisted emergency services with evacuating his passenger, who had sustained serious injury. The pilot was not injured.
Other Information
Surface wind was calm and the weather was reported as 'fine' with visibility exceeding 10 km. The aircraft was likely close to its maximum takeoff and landing weight of 450 kg. The UK importer of the type noted that, based on operator experience, with full flap and high power set, the aircraft would roll to the left upon stalling.
Pilot’s Assessment
This was the pilot's first flight carrying a passenger from Kilkeel, although he had operated there previously. He considered that he made insufficient allowance for the heavier aircraft's higher stalling speed and extra power required to maintain the approach path. He concluded that the aircraft stalled and rolled left, leaving insufficient height for recovery.