What happened
On 1 June 2014, a Jodel D117, registration G-AWFW, was conducting a private flight from Sywell Airfield to a small airfield located near Keighley, West Yorkshire. The destination airfield featured two grass runways: 11/29, measuring 435 m by 15 m, and 06/24, measuring 325 m by 10 m.
During the approach to Runway 24, the pilot executed a powered ‘short field’ maneuver. Although weather conditions were reported as calm and fine, the runway surface consisted of wet and soft grass. Upon touchdown, the aircraft's main wheels sank into the soft ground. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward and subsequently overturn. The impact resulted in the crushing of the cockpit canopy and glazing, which trapped both occupants. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious spinal injuries and required medical assistance from emergency services.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the state of the runway and the mechanical impact on the aircraft. The damage to the Jodel D117 included the destruction of the propeller blades, damage to the engine cowling, and the crushing of the canopy.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the main wheels sinking into the soft, wet grass surface upon touchdown.
- The landing configuration and the condition of the runway surface led to a nose-down pitch and the subsequent overturn of the aircraft.