AAIB investigation to Auster J5F Aiglet Trainer, G-AMZT

Landed on a strip of land next to the runway, Bolt Head Airfield, 18 June 2015.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 8 October 2015

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 18 June 2015
• Aircraft type: Auster J5F Aiglet Trainer
• Location: Bolt Head Airfield, Devon
• Registration: G-AMZT

Summary:

The pilot made a straight-in approach to land on Runway 29 at Bolt Head Airfield; this is a grass strip with no white runway designating markings. There was a strip of land cultivated with barley, approximately the same length and width as the runway, between the runway and the airfield boundary fence. The pilot mistook this strip of land for the runway. After touching down in the crop, the aircraft came to a stop in about 25 metres, before pitching over onto its back. The occupants, who were uninjured, exited the aircraft via the passenger’s side window.

The pilot considered that it was possible, but unlikely, that the accident would have been avoided if he had joined overhead. However, white runway markings would have definitely aided in identifying the runway.

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Auster J5F Aiglet Trainer G-AMZT 10-15

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 8 October 2015