What happened
On 25 May 2003, a Vans RV-4, registration G-RVIV, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during landing at a grass airstrip near Truleigh Manor Farm, West Sussex. The landing was conducted on a 480-metre grass strip characterized by wet and relatively long grass. At the time of the incident, the wind conditions were calm, though the pilot was landing directly into the glare of the setting sun.
As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot found that the braking action was insufficient to stop the aircraft before reaching the boundary of the field. The pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft between an earth mound located at the end of the runway and a large piece of agricultural machinery positioned to the right. During this attempt to avoid the obstacles, the aircraft made contact with the machinery, causing damage to the propeller and the tip of the right wing.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the pilot's decision-making during the landing phase. The inquiry established that the pilot's visual perception was likely compromised due to the position of the sun during the approach and landing. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the effectiveness of the braking on the specific surface conditions present that evening.
Findings
- The pilot's expectation regarding the deceleration provided by the long, wet grass was inaccurate.
- The pilot's visual perception was reduced by landing directly towards the setting sun.
- There was insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the aircraft before the field boundary once the need for braking was realized.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and approximately 2 feet of the right wing tip.