What happened
On 3 March 2001, a DHC-2 Turbo-Beaver, registration OY-JRR, was performing a private flight involving a parachute drop near Lashenden (Headcorn) Airfield in Kent. After completing the drop, the pilot observed the windsock and elected to land on Runway 04. The landing itself was performed normally, and the pilot began slowing the aircraft before initiating a left turn to taxi toward the grass manoeuvring area.
During this taxiing phase, the main wheels of the aircraft sank into soft ground. This sudden resistance caused the aircraft to pivot around its main wheels, resulting in the tail lifting upward. Consequently, the propeller tips made contact with the ground. The pilot promptly shut down the engine and exited the aircraft. The airfield fire crew subsequently moved the aircraft to a hangar.
The investigation
Investigators examined the airfield conditions and the aircraft's movement. It was noted that the region had experienced unusually heavy rainfall during the winter and early spring, leading to the flooding of the River Beult near the northern boundary of the airfield.
While the airfield's licensed runway (11/29) was the primary focus of certain taxiing restrictions, the pilot had attempted to use the area north of this runway. Documentation for the airfield, including the Pooleys Guide and the Bottlang Manual, both contained warnings regarding the poor condition of the manoeuvring area and the need for caution due to undulating ground. The pilot acknowledged that, because Runway 04 had not been used earlier that day, a physical inspection of the runway and taxiway surface should have been conducted prior to use.
Findings
- The main wheels sinking into soft ground caused the sudden deceleration and subsequent pitch of the aircraft.
- Recent heavy seasonal rainfall and flooding from the nearby River Beult had left the ground in the manoeuvring area in a soft state.
- The propeller sustained damage through contact with the ground, and the engine suffered a shock-load.