What happened
On 22 September 2016, a DHC-1 Chipmunk 22, registration G-BXCP, was performing a private flight at Bagby (Thirsk) Airfield in Yorkshire. Prior to arrival, the pilot confirmed the surface wind at a nearby airfield was 10 knots from 240º. To utilize the 2.6% upslope of Runway 06, the pilot elected to perform a downwind landing.
The pilot executed a standard approach and achieved a three-point landing. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot held the control stick in the full aft position and attempted to maintain directional control through differential braking. However, once the airspeed dropped to approximately 20-2tk, the aircraft swung toward the left. Despite further application of the right brake, the pilot could not correct the deviation. The aircraft subsequently left the runway, resulting in the right wing and tailplane striking a hangar. There were no injuries to the crew or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the landing conditions, including the short, dry grass surface and the wind conditions. The pilot, an experienced flyer with over 14,000 total flying hours, noted that the landing distance was sufficient for the chosen runway. The investigation focused on the loss of directional control during the landing roll and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft's fuselage, wing, and tailplane.