What happened
On 11 August 2013, a Valentin Taifun 17E, registration D-KFIH, was performing a private flight approaching Runway 21 at Weybourne (Muckleburgh) Airfield in Norfolk. During the final approach, the pilot's attention was drawn to a large army truck crossing the approach path near the runway threshold. Although the pilot determined there was enough clearance to proceed, the distraction lasted long enough to impact the flight profile.
At a late stage in the approach, the pilot observed that the airspeed had dropped to the minimum required for the approach. As the aircraft was only a few metres above the grass runway, a sudden drop in wind caused a further loss of airspeed, resulting in a hard landing. Upon applying the brakes following the touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to egress the aircraft unaided.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach at the grass airfield, noting the proximity of a road that crosses the approach path near the runway threshold. The investigation also considered the impact of environmental factors, specifically a reduction in wind speed immediately prior to touchdown, and the pilot's admission regarding the period of distraction caused by the heavy vehicle.