Accident Overview
On 27 October 2007 at 1330 UTC, a Bellanca 7GCBC Citabria (registration G-BRJW) was involved in an accident during a landing at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk. The aircraft was destroyed, but both occupants sustained only minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft unaided.
Flight History
The aircraft, a tailwheel type, departed with one pilot and one passenger for a local flight. Conditions at the time included haze and a surface wind of 210°/8–10 kt. The pilot made an initial approach to asphalt Runway 25, but encountered turbulence on final approach and bounced on touchdown, prompting a go-around. A second approach and flare appeared satisfactory, resulting in a touchdown on all three wheels.
Shortly after touchdown, the left wing lifted and the aircraft yawed left, traveling across the grass beside the runway toward the airfield clubhouse and parked aircraft. The pilot attempted a go-around by applying full power and forward elevator control to raise the tail, but the aircraft did not accelerate on the soft ground. As it continued toward the clubhouse, the pilot applied nose-up elevator control in an effort to become airborne, leading to a nose-high attitude. The left wing then dropped until it impacted the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel. It came to rest upright approximately 30 m from the club hangar and a parked fuel tanker. There was no fire.
Injuries and Damage
Both crew members—the pilot and the passenger—suffered minor injuries, as described by the pilot. The aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage, both wingtips, and the entire structure forward of the instrument panel, which was almost completely detached. The cockpit structure was not distorted.
Pilot Experience and Comments
The pilot, aged 46, held a Private Pilot’s Licence with a total flying experience of 137 hours, of which 21 were on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 8 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours. He stated that he had been slow to react to the crosswind effects on touchdown and believed he should have applied into-wind aileron and opposite rudder.
The Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) of the operating flying club noted that the pilot had received instruction on tailwheel operations and recent refresher training on crosswind techniques, achieving a good standard. The CFI added that the weather conditions on the day were well within the pilot’s capabilities.
Discussion
The crosswind component at the time of landing was approximately 6 kt, which was below the maximum crosswind for which a successful landing had been demonstrated in this aircraft. There was no indication of any pre-existing mechanical fault that would have contributed to the accident.
Probable Cause
None stated in the source.