Accident Overview
On 16 March 2015 at approximately 1245 UTC, a Jabiru UL-450 (registration G-CNAB) departed the left side of a grass airstrip near Hucknall Aerodrome, Nottinghamshire, and overturned after encountering soft ground. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Jabiru UL-450 with serial number PFA 274-13651 and year of manufacture 2001, was powered by a single Jabiru 2200A piston engine. The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence, was 49 years old, and had accumulated 345 total flying hours, of which 7 were on type. His recent flying experience included 1.5 hours in the last 90 days and 1.5 hours in the last 28 days.
History of the Flight
The aircraft was based at a private farm airstrip approximately 320 m long, with a grass surface oriented 15/33. After rigging the aircraft, the pilot assessed the weather at the strip: broken cloudbase above 1,500 ft, surface wind from the east at about 7 kt, and visibility about 7 km. He considered conditions suitable for a local flight involving general handling and circuits.
Pre-flight checks were normal, and the pilot taxied for a north-westerly takeoff, judging this direction preferable due to possible turbulence from nearby trees when taking off south-easterly. About 10 minutes after departure, he returned to the airstrip for circuit practice, again using the north-westerly direction. The first approach was too high, resulting in a go-around from about 200 ft. The second approach was acceptable, leading to a safe but slightly firm landing further along the strip than intended.
The pilot then made another takeoff and approach. The approach and touchdown appeared normal, with the main wheels contacting first. As the nosewheel settled, the aircraft was found to be closer to the left edge of the strip than intended and was tracking leftward at about three-quarters of the strip length. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using rudder and nosewheel steering while braking heavily, but was unable to prevent the left wheel from running off the airstrip onto soft ground. This caused the aircraft to turn left into the adjacent field, where the nosewheel dug in, pitching the aircraft nose-down and then fully inverting.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, landing gear, engine cowling, nose landing gear, left lift strut, pitot static tube, and elevator hinges. The pilot remained secured by his harness and was uninjured. He released himself, switched off the master switch and fuel tap, and exited via the left-side door.
Discussion
The pilot attributed the accident to his lack of experience and currency on the aircraft type. He noted that although he initially believed he could steer clear of the edge, heavy braking made correction impossible. He acknowledged that an early go-around would have been the safest course of action, but by the time the situation was clearly uncorrectable, insufficient runway remained.