What happened
On 17 January 2013, a Vans RV-8, registration G-HPWA, was performing a private flight when it experienced an accident during landing at Adbury Park, a private grass airstrip located near Newbury, Hampshire. The pilot was executing a standard approach to the north-easterly runway, which measured 600 metres in length. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began its landing roll, but during the process, the aircraft flipped onto its back.
The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's propeller, canopy, and left wing. There were no injuries to the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the condition of the airfield following a period of sub-zero temperatures that had lasted for one week. While the pilot was aware of a specific boggy area in the middle of the airstrip, it was anticipated that the ground would be firm. However, the investigation established that the ground in this section was significantly softer than expected. This condition was attributed to a broken underground drain which had flooded the area, preventing the ground from freezing despite the recent cold weather.