AAIB investigation to Vans RV-8, G-CHPK

Departed the side of the runway during landing, Bidford Airfield, Warwickshire, 24 February 2017.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 9 June 2017

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 24 February 2017
• Aircraft type: Vans RV-8
• Location: On approach to Bidford Airfield, Warwickshire
• Registration: G-CHPK

Summary:

The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal but at a height of approximately 1,500 ft he detected some mild vibration from the engine and decided to return to the airfield. During the downwind leg for a landing on Runway 24 he noted that the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) for the number 4 cylinder was very low at 150˚F. This was lower than the EGT on the other three cylinders, which all read 1,500˚F.

The pilot conducted a glide approach using sideslip to control his height. However, during the flare and landing the sun was in his eyes and he lost his visual references, with the result that the aircraft ran off the side of the runway into a ploughed field and tipped onto its nose. Both occupants were uninjured but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, firewall, and wheel spats.

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Vans RV-8, G-CHPK 06-17

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 9 June 2017