What happened
On 3 June 2017, a Jodel D117, registration G-BDIH, was performing a private flight at Bedlands Gate Airfield in Cumbria. Upon arriving over the airfield at 1200 ft, the pilot observed wind conditions via the windsock indicating a 15-knot wind from 180 degrees. Given the short, downhill nature of the 390 m grass Runway 16, the pilot planned to land 50 m beyond the runway threshold.
The approach was initially stable, with the pilot maintaining 1500 rpm at 60 kt. As the aircraft approached the airfield boundary, the power was reduced to 1200 rpm to achieve a 50 kt airspeed. During this phase, the aircraft encountered turbulence that caused a rapid nose-up pitch, triggering the stall warning.
In an effort to avoid ground impact, the pilot lowered the nose but refrained from increasing engine power due to the low altitude. While attempting to raise the nose to flare for landing, the nose, lower engine cowling, and main wheels struck the ground first. The aircraft bounced, landed again on its main and tailwheels, and rolled approximately 20 m before veering left off the runway into long grass, eventually coming to rest on its nose. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent inquiries. The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, wing, engine, propeller, and lower engine cowl.