What happened
On 24 September 2018, a modified Falco F8L Series 3, registration G-PDGG, was performing a private flight when it overran the runway at Meppershall Airfield, Bedfordshire. During the landing roll on Runway 24, the pilot applied the brakes with full flaps selected. This application caused the aircraft to veer to the right, toward a hedge. To maintain the aircraft's direction, the pilot was forced to release the brakes, but the same veering motion occurred whenever the brakes were reapplied. Consequently, the aircraft could not be stopped within the runway limits.
The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, crankshaft, and nose landing gear, along with a bent engine bearer and damage to the rear fuselage. Although the pilot sustained no injuries, the sliding canopy jammed during the accident, preventing the pilot from exiting the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the braking system of the aircraft. The braking mechanism on this specific model is operated by a single, heel-operated pedal that is intended to apply both wheel brakes simultaneously. An engineer with experience on this aircraft type examined the system and determined that the left brake was not functioning correctly. It was discovered that the left brake had not been adjusted properly, meaning it failed to apply any braking force to its respective wheel.
Findings
- The primary cause of the runway excursion was the improper adjustment of the left brake, which resulted in an asymmetric braking force.
- The imbalance between the functioning right brake and the non-operational left brake caused the aircraft to veer toward the edge of the runway.
- The jamming of the rearwards sliding canopy during the impact hindered the pilot's ability to egress the aircraft.