Aircraft and Flight Information
The accident involved a Jodel DR1050 Ambassadeur, registration G-ARRE, built in 1961 and powered by a single Continental Motors Corp O-200-A piston engine. The aircraft was being operated on a private flight with one pilot and no passengers. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 130 hours total flying experience, including 45 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, the pilot had flown 2 hours; in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Accident Location and Conditions
The accident occurred at Coventry Airport on 21 July 2014 at 1758 UTC. The pilot was conducting an approach to Runway 23. The reported surface wind was from the northwest at 10–12 kt, creating a crosswind component for the runway.
Accident Narrative
According to the pilot, while approaching the runway, he allowed for the crosswind but was not aligned with the runway centreline at the point of touchdown. After the aircraft was on the ground, the pilot attempted to correct the alignment by applying right rudder. This action caused a significant yaw to the right, which the pilot was unable to correct. The resulting yaw led to the collapse of the left main landing gear. The aircraft subsequently slowed to a halt, coming to rest on its left wing.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was uninjured and was wearing a lap and diagonal harness. The aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear and the left wing.
Pilot's Assessment of Cause
The pilot considered the cause of the accident to be over-compensation of yaw using the rudder after touchdown.