Accident Overview
On 17 January 2013, at approximately 1315 UTC, a Vans RV-8, registration G-HPWA, sustained damage to its propeller, canopy, and left wing during a landing at a private airstrip in Adbury Park, Hampshire. The aircraft was conducting a private flight with the sole pilot on board, who was uninjured.
Flight Details
The pilot, who held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 3,000 hours total flying experience (398 on type), was landing on the north-easterly runway, which was 600 m long. The approach was normal, and the aircraft touched down, beginning its landing roll.
Runway Condition
The airstrip had a boggy section in the middle. The pilot was aware of this area but believed it would be frozen due to a week of sub-zero temperatures before the flight. However, the boggy section turned out to be much softer than expected, causing the aircraft to flip inverted.
Post-Accident Findings
The pilot subsequently commented that an underground drain had broken, flooding the area and preventing the ground from freezing. The pilot was uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, canopy, and left wing.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The Vans RV-8 (year of manufacture 2000, serial number 80836) was powered by one Lycoming IO-360-C1E6 piston engine. The pilot’s recent flying experience included 45 hours in the last 90 days and 35 hours in the last 28 days.