What happened
On 24 September 2017, a Jodel DR1s0-M Excellence, registration G-JODL, was performing a private flight at Lashenden (Headcorn) Airfield in Kent. Following a conversion course in tailwheel aircraft earlier that day, the pilot attempted to land on the grass runway. After an initial aborted approach, a second landing attempt resulted in a groundspeed higher than anticipated.
As the aircraft rolled down the runway, the pilot experienced significant difficulty maintaining a straight path. In an attempt to correct a perceived leftward veer, the pilot applied power to initiate a baulked landing. This increase in throttle, combined with the aircraft's tendency to turn, caused the aircraft to depart the runway surface. The aircraft crossed mown grass and approached a wire fence. While the pilot attempted to climb over the obstacle, the fuselage made contact with the wire and the tailwheel snagged, causing the nose to drop. The aircraft subsequently struck three sheep, resulting in two fatalities among the livestock, before coming to rest in a hedgerow.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the airfield, which showed the aircraft touching down on its mainwheels approximately 40% down the runway. The footage confirmed that the tailwheel made contact with the ground roughly 250 metres later, at which point the aircraft began to veer left. Wind data from the time indicated very light winds from 110º at less than 5 knots, contradicting the pilot's initial belief that a tailwind was affecting the landing.
The pilot, who had recently completed tailwheel differences training, provided a retrospective assessment. He noted that his approach speed may have been too high for the light aircraft and low wind conditions. He also realized that the directional control issues likely began when the tailwheel contacted the ground, rather than being caused by a sudden gust.
Findings
- The pilot's approach speed was likely higher than necessary given the light aircraft weight and minimal wind.
- The aircraft's tendency to turn left was exacerbated by gyroscopic forces acting on the tailwheel aircraft as the tail was raised during the application of power.
- The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff/baulked landing while already heading toward the edge of the runway contributed to the excursion.
- The pilot's perception of the aircraft's state was affected by not realizing only the mainwheels had initially touched the ground.