What happened
On 29 March 2014, a Thruster T600T, registration G-MZKT, was performing a private flight at Great Thorns Farm in Swaffham, Norfolk. Following a standard takeoff from Runway 07, the pilot conducted a normal circuit. During the landing approach, the pilot utilized a crab technique to manage a 10-knot crosswind from the right.
As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot transitioned to a right-wing-low technique, resulting in the right mainwheel making contact with the runway first. After the tailwheel settled, a sudden gust of wind lifted the right wing. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied power to initiate a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted to the left, causing the left mainwheel to impact the raised, ploughed edge of the runway. The aircraft then exited the paved surface and entered a rough grass field, where it tipped onto its nose and left wingtip, rotating approximately 180 degrees before stopping upright.
There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, fuselage pod, windscreen, main landing gear, and both wings.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing attempt, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's subsequent decision to execute a go-around. The investigation focused on the interaction between the wind gust, the aircraft's configuration, and the runway's physical condition at the edge of the strip.