Event
On 6 May 1999 at 1123 UTC, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BWRO, operated on a private flight, experienced a ground loop after landing at Exeter Airport in Devon. The aircraft had one pilot and one passenger on board; neither was injured. Damage was limited to the tip of one propeller blade.
The aircraft joined the circuit for a landing on Runway 26, which has dimensions of 2,083 by 46 metres with an overall downslope of 0.05%. The pilot was advised of a surface wind of 220° at 10 knots. Touchdown was in a two-point attitude on the runway centreline. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft weather-cocked into wind due to an unexpected gust, leading to a ground loop that damaged the propeller tip.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot believed that the lack of directional control was due to the crosswind being stronger than reported. Additionally, he considered that the steering authority of the tailwheel was reduced by the downslope of the initial portion of the runway.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Europa was manufactured in 1997 and powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The pilot held an FAA Private Pilot's Licence, aged 32, with 350 total flying hours, of which 200 were on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 20 hours, all within the last 28 days.