What happened
On 3 June 2011, a DH87B Hornet Moth, registration G-ADNE, was conducting a private flight from Sumburgh to Unst in the Shetland Islands. Upon arriving at Unst, the pilot joined the right-hand circuit for Runway 30. Based on the position of the windsock, the pilot estimated a crosswind of 270° at approximately 15 to 20 knots.
Due to the crosswind conditions, the approach and landing were performed with the left wing down, resulting in the left mainwheel making contact with the runway first. After a brief skip, the aircraft settled onto its mainwheels. During the landing roll, the pilot applied full right rudder and right wheel braking to maintain the aircraft's direction. As the speed decreased to roughly 20 knots, the tail of the aircraft rose. This movement caused the chin cowling and the propeller to strike the runway surface. The impact caused the propeller to shatter and led to the partial collapse of the right main landing gear. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and both vacated the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Following the incident, the pilot inspected the main undercarriage wheels and the braking system, finding no mechanical defects. The pilot noted that the right wheel brake might have locked during the landing roll, contributing to the tail rising.