What happened
On 23 January 2017, a Jodel DR100A Ambassadeur, registration G-BFBA, was performing a private familiarisation flight at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. The flight was being conducted by a pilot with no prior experience flying tailwheel or "dragger" aircraft. The pilot was accompanied by an LAA inspector who was experienced on this type.
During the seventh touch-and-go landing of the session, the pilot applied power during the landing/takeoff roll, causing the aircraft to lose control. This resulted in a ground loop on the paved runway. The force of the maneuver caused the landing gear to collapse, which subsequently led to the propeller striking the ground. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience and the nature of the training being conducted. While the pilot had recently purchased the aircraft, they were in the process of gaining familiarity with its tailwheel characteristics. The inspector on board was not acting as a flight instructor, but rather as the pilot in command for the purpose of the flight, allowing the handling pilot the opportunity to operate the aircraft.
Investigators also reviewed the regulatory requirements regarding differences and familiarisation training under EASA Part-FCL. While regulations distinguish between differences training (requiring practical training) and familiarisation training (requiring additional knowledge), the investigation looked at the necessity of formal instruction when transitioning to a different aircraft variant.
Findings
- The handling pilot lacked previous experience with tailwheel aircraft.
- The accident was caused by the pilot losing control during the application of power during a touch-and-go maneuver.
- The training being conducted was for familiarisation purposes but was not being performed under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
- The pilot was effectively operating as a passenger in terms of flight time logging, as the inspector was the pilot in command and not an instructor.