What happened
On the afternoon of September 27, 2000, a privately owned JAK 50, registration RA 02550, was performing a flight from Stockholm/Bromma to Ronneby airport. The pilot was in the process of relocating the newly purchased aircraft from Russia to France via Sweden.
Upon approaching Ronneby, the pilot received clearance for a straight-in approach to runway 19. Following touchdown, the aircraft began to experience yaw disturbances during the landing roll. In an attempt to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot applied asymmetrical braking to steer the plane. However, after traveling several hundred meters, the aircraft entered a left-hand ground loop. The impact of the maneuver caused considerable damage to the aircraft, specifically breaking the right landing gear and damaging the wing. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the flight history and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the flight had proceeded without issue until the landing phase. Technical inspections revealed no mechanical failures that contributed to the loss of directional control. The investigators focused on the pilot's steering technique and the configuration of the tailwheel mechanism during the rollout.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient heading control during the aircraft's rollout.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the yaw using individual wheel brakes likely generated heavy yaw factors, which are particularly destabilizing at speeds exceeding taxi speed.
- A contributing factor may have been the position of the control stick; the pilot may have unconsciously pushed the stick forward of the neutral position while braking. This action would have unlocked the tailwheel, allowing it to swivel and further complicating directional stability.