What happened
On 8 June 2018, a Jodel DR1050-M1 Sicile Record, registration G-CIYB, was performing a private flight at a private airstrip in Gilford, County Down. During the approach to Runway 36, the pilot encountered unexpected sinking air near the edge of the runway. This sudden loss of lift caused the left main landing gear to strike a boundary hedge. The impact resulted in a loss of control, causing the aircraft to strike the ground and slide along the runway. The aircraft eventually came to rest after rotating approximately 180 degrees. The impact caused the landing gear to collapse, the left wing to detach, and significant damage to the forward fuselage and right wing. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the pilot's operational procedures and the aircraft's performance capabilities. The pilot had operated from this 275-metre grass strip for over 20 years, typically taking off downhill and landing uphill to manage the runway's slope. While the pilot had reduced the aircraft's payload to ensure short ground rolls, he did not use the performance data provided in the aircraft manual. Instead, he relied on personal estimates based on ground rolls measured at a different airfield. Furthermore, the pilot did not account for the distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle or apply the safety factors recommended by the UK Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC). The investigation also noted that while the aircraft featured an upgraded propeller, no formal testing had been conducted to establish new performance data following this modification.
Findings
- The pilot encountered sinking air during the final stages of the approach.
- The pilot failed to apply recommended safety factors to landing and takeoff distance calculations.
- The pilot did not consider the necessary distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle.
- Performance estimates were based on observations at a different airfield rather than verified data for the specific strip.
Safety action
- The pilot plans to remove the hedge at the southern boundary of the airstrip and will only continue operations if the runway length can be increased.