What happened
On 1 June 2009, a Tecnam P92-EM Echo, registration G-DWPF, was conducting a private flight to Kilkeel Airfield in Northern Ireland. The pilot had completed several solo flights earlier that day before picking up a passenger for the short journey. The flight proceeded normally until the approach to the northbound grass runway.
While flying at an indicated airspeed of 60 kt, the pilot deployed full flaps. Realising the aircraft was lower than the intended approach path, the pilot applied full power and increased the pitch. During this manoeuvre, the aircraft experienced a sudden roll to the left. The aircraft subsequently struck a low breeze block wall near the southern boundary of the airfield, approximately 60 m west of the runway centreline. The impact caused extensive damage to the fuselage and left wing, and the right wing became detached. Despite the damage, the cabin remained intact, allowing the pilot to exit unaided and assist the passenger, who sustained one serious injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight history and the aircraft's configuration. It was noted that the aircraft was near its maximum takeoff and landing weight of 450 kg. The pilot noted that while he had flown at this airfield previously, this was his first flight on this type with a passenger. The investigation also considered the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft type under specific power and flap settings.