What happened
On 23 May 2009, a Dynamic WT9 aircraft, registration G-JFDI, was performing a private flight when it experienced an incident during landing at Kimbolton Airstrip, Cambridgeshire. During the approach, the pilot utilized three stages of flap, a configuration different from the two stages typically used for landings on concrete surfaces.
Upon touchdown on the grass runway, the pilot maintained a high nose attitude to protect the nosewheel from potential surface irregularities. This maneuver caused the tail of the aircraft to descend until the lower portion of the rudder made contact with the ground. As the aircraft decelerated to approximately 20-25 mph, it began to drift toward the left side of the strip. The pilot attempted to correct this drift using the rudder, but found the controls to be stiff and unresponsive. Consequently, the aircraft veered off the airstrip, causing the left wingtip to strike a patch of growing rape crops. The resulting impact led to the collapse of the right landing gear and damage to the right flap.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight techniques and the mechanical response of the aircraft's steering system. It was established that the pilot's decision to maintain a high nose attitude, intended to safeguard the nosewheel from ruts, directly led to the tail skid making contact with the grass. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the steering capabilities of the aircraft, noting that while the nosewheel is steerable via the rudder pedals, the physical movement of the rudder was restricted during the event.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to keep the nose high resulted in the tail contacting the ground.
- The contact between the rudder and the ground prevented effective steering via the rudder pedals.
- The loss of directional control caused the aircraft to depart the grass runway and strike adjacent crops, leading to the landing gear failure.