What happened
On 20 June 2004, a Vans RV-6, registration G-RVAW, was completing a private cross-country flight when the pilot encountered heavy showers near the High Flatts Farm landing strip in Chester le Street, Co Durham. To avoid the worst of the weather and allow a previous aircraft to clear the runway, the pilot elected to hold approximately 2 nm from the strip.
As the weather improved, the pilot commenced the approach to Runway 30. While the approach initially offered good visibility, the situation changed as the aircraft neared the ground. Upon closing the throttle for touchdown, a fine drizzle accumulated on the windscreen, effectively eliminating the pilot's forward visual references. The aircraft touched down approximately 200 metres into the 500-metre strip. Without visual cues, the aircraft veered left on the damp surface, causing the left wing tip to strike the adjacent oil seed rape crop. The aircraft then yawed to port and slid sideways through the crops until it came to a stop. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft unaided.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft. It was noted that the landing strip is bordered by oil seed rape, which contributed to the severity of the impact. The investigators also looked into the aerodynamic effects of the engine power settings on the windscreen's clarity during the final moments of the flight.