What happened
On 25 February 2018, a Jodel D1im7, registration G-BBPS, was conducting a private local flight departing from Shempstons Field, near Lossiemouth. The flight commenced at approximately 1200 UTC with winds recorded at 10 knots. During the flight, wind speeds increased to roughly 13 knots.
As part of the standard operating procedure for this location, the pilot intended to land on Runway 35, an uphill grass strip, despite the wind direction. This specific runway requires a late touchdown point due to the presence of overhead power lines and soft ground conditions. Following three unsuccessful approaches and subsequent go-arounds, the pilot attempted a fourth approach. This touchdown occurred later than usual and at a speed of 60 KIAS. Due to the combination of this late touchdown and a tailwind component, the aircraft maintained a high ground speed. The pilot was unable to decelerate the aircraft before it exited the runway perimeter. The aircraft entered a ploughed field where the main landing gear became embedded in the rough terrain, causing the aircraft to overturn and come to rest inverted.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot sustained one minor injury (a back injury) and required assistance to exit the wreckage. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including damage to the canopy, the upper fuselage, and the right main landing gear, while the engine and propeller experienced shock loading. The aircraft was subsequently declared damaged beyond economic repair.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the high ground speed resulting from a late touchdown point combined with a tailwind component.
- The aircraft's wheel brakes are not typically utilized for deceleration during landing at this airfield.
- The terrain of the ploughed field caused the landing gear to dig in, leading to the inversion of the aircraft.