AAIB investigation to Aeroprakt A22 Foxbat, G-FOXB
Wingtip contacted tree on approach, Slieve Croob, 28 September 2014.
Summary:
Slieve Croob Airstrip is a narrow grass strip 800 ft amsl, one mile south-east of the 1,752 ft summit of Slieve Croob in County Down, Northern Ireland. Bordering the west of the strip is a wooded area and with the wind in certain directions the airfield is known to experience ‘rotor’ from the mountains.
The pilot reported he was on final approach to the grass strip 18 at Slieve Croob, with the reported wind from the south-west at 12 mph, when he experienced severe windshear. He applied power to go around, but he was unable to prevent the aircraft’s right wingtip from making contact with a tree top. The aircraft then flew an uneventful circuit and landed safely. The pilot and his passenger were unhurt.
Download report: