What happened
On 28 February 2021, a Vans RV-7, registration G-CDME, was performing a private flight at a farm strip near Goose Green, West Sussex. The landing was initially normal, with the aircraft touching down slightly left of the runway centerline. However, approximately 140 metres into the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a patch of soft ground. As the wheels and spats sank into the earth, they quickly became clogged with soil, creating a massive increase in drag. This sudden deceleration caused the tail to rise, leading the propeller to strike the ground and dig in. The momentum of the aircraft caused it to nose over onto its back. The pilot, who was uninjured due to the use of a properly fastened four-point harness, was able to exit the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had recently maintained the runway using a tractor and gang mower and had inspected the strip on foot prior to the flight. While the runway appeared suitable, the investigation found that the aircraft's modified wheel spats, despite having increased clearance, were unable to prevent soil accumulation when encountering the soft patch. The investigation also noted that the pilot's decision to wear a tightly secured safety harness was a critical factor in preventing personal injury during the inversion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the sudden increase in drag caused by the main wheels and spats becoming clogged with soil.
- The aircraft experienced a rapid deceleration that forced the tail up and the propeller into the ground.
- The aircraft sustained moderate damage to the engine, mounting, propeller, canopy, rudder, fin, and spats.
- The pilot's use of a correctly fastened four-point harness prevented injury during the nose-over.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the CAA has taken steps to increase awareness among General Aviation pilots regarding the risks of wheel spat contamination. This includes updates to the CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 12 regarding strip flying and reminders to inspect spats for mud and grass accumulation.