What happened
On 9 September 2007, a Jabiru 3 aircraft, registration G-PADE, was performing a private flight at Lydd Airport, Kent. The pilot had recently completed a cross-channel flight to France and was returning to a private farm strip. While approaching Runway 03, the pilot reported that the aircraft ballooned approximately four feet during the round-out phase before settling back toward the runway.
As the aircraft neared touchdown, it weathercocked into the wind. Although the pilot attempted to correct this with left rudder, the right wing lifted, causing the aircraft to drift left. The left main landing gear made contact with the runway surface, which subsequently failed. This led to the left wing tip striking the runway and the propeller making contact with the ground. The aircraft eventually came to rest at a 90-degree angle across the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight history, weather conditions, and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The aircraft, which was a kit-built model in a tail-wheel configuration, had no reported mechanical issues prior to the event.
Investigators reviewed air traffic control records, which indicated that wind directions at Lydd can be inconsistent due to coastal effects. At 1320 hours, the wind was recorded at 120 degrees at 6 knots, and by 1350 hours, it had shifted to 150 degrees at 8 knots. This variability suggested the pilot may have encountered a slight tailwind during the landing sequence. The pilot also noted that fatigue, stemming from the mental strain of recent solo cross-channel flights, may have impacted his concentration during the landing phase.