What happened
On 7 May 2017, a Jodel D112, registration G-BIAH, was conducting a private local flight departing from Barton Ashes Airstrip in Hampshire. The weather conditions during the flight were reported as fine, with light and variable winds.
Following a routine landing, the aircraft began to decelerate. As the aircraft came to a halt, the tail section began to lift. This upward movement continued until the aircraft eventually came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the event. To exit the aircraft, the pilot had to climb through a broken side window with the help of a bystander present at the airfield.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events following the landing and the physical state of the aircraft. The aircraft sustained significant damage, specifically to the engine cowling, the canopy, and the airframe. Additionally, the engine was found to have been shock-loaded during the incident.
Findings
- The pilot identified the application of heavy braking as the primary factor in the aircraft's tail lifting and subsequent inversion.
- The aircraft sustained severe damage to the cockpit structure.