Accident Overview
On 29 May 2011, at 0940 UTC, a Thruster T600N 450, registration G-KIPP, was involved in an accident in a field adjacent to Compton Abbas Airfield. The flight was a training air experience flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot held a National Private Pilot's Licence and had 360 hours total flying experience, including 87 hours on the type.
Sequence of Events
While on final approach to Runway 26, the pilot reported encountering turbulence at 300 ft above ground level. The wind at the time was reported as 250° at approximately 12 kt. The pilot descended to 20 ft above the runway, maintaining an indicated airspeed of 50 kt, with the aircraft flying into wind and with left aileron applied. At that point, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind, causing it suddenly to lose height while rolling to the right. It then bounced firmly onto the runway, puncturing the right mainwheel. The aircraft yawed to the right and departed the runway. Despite the pilot's actions, the aircraft's nosewheel struck the top of a hedge. The aircraft came to rest inverted in a field, 10 m beyond the hedge line.
Post-Accident Actions
The pilot turned the ignition switch and battery isolator to OFF and closed the fuel valve, although fuel was leaking from the left wing's fuel filler cap. The pilot vacated the aircraft after releasing his harness and, with the assistance of a nearby club member, helped the passenger to leave the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, wings, rudder and landing gear; the engine was shock-loaded.