AAIB investigation to Eurofox 912(1), G-CIPS
Impacted livestock, Farm Strip, Haringe Court, East of Ashford, Kent, 16 September 2017.
Summary:
The pilot reported that there were sheep on the farm landing strip, around two thirds along its length. He continued with the landing because the sheep were moving away from the aircraft noise, and because the first part of the runway was clear. As the aircraft touched down, a sheep ran on to the runway. The pilot performed a go-around and as the aircraft lifted off, its left wheel struck the animal. This caused the left gear leg to shear off, and the pilot stated that onlookers could see the leg and wheel hanging from the brake hose. The pilot completed a circuit and, on landing, the aircraft slewed to the left, impacted a fence and came to rest.
The pilot reported that sheep normally ran away from the aircraft noise and in future he would be prepared for the unexpected.
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