On a go-around while on approach, a Jodel DR1050-M1 (G-BAEE) struck trees beyond the end of the runway near Jackrell’s Farm airstrip, Horsham, West Sussex on 6 October 2022
The aircraft was being flown for the renewal of its Permit to Fly. Having completed most of the required items, the pilot flew the aircraft back to Jackrell’s Farm airstrip to land. The approach resulted in a go-around during which the aircraft struck the tops of tall trees beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft then struck the ground in the field beyond the trees in an upright attitude – both the pilot and aircraft owner suffered serious injuries as a result.
Although the aircraft owner recalled that the aircraft was high and fast on the approach and that a go-around was commenced from close to the end of the runway, this could not be verified, as the pilot had no recollection of the flight.
There were no witnesses to the accident, the occupants were incapacitated, and an ELT was not fitted to the aircraft. Consequently, no person or organisation was alerted to the accident for a significant period. Letting someone know a time to expect you to call after a flight is complete may enable appropriate assistance to be provided if things don’t go to plan.
The investigation found no mechanical or technical cause for the accident.