What happened
On 6 May 1999, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BWRO, was performing a private flight at Exeter Airport in Devon. While approaching Runway 26, the surface wind was reported as 220° at 10 knots. The pilot executed a landing in a two-point attitude, maintaining the runway centerline during the initial touchdown.
Following touchdown, an unexpected gust of wind caused the aircraft to weather-cock into the wind. This loss of directional stability led to a ground loop. The maneuver resulted in minor damage to a propeller tip, but there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control. The pilot indicated that the crosswind component was likely stronger than the 10-knot wind initially reported. Additionally, the investigation considered the runway topography, noting that the initial section of the runway has a 0.05% downslope. The pilot suggested that this slope may have contributed to a reduction in the steering authority of the tailwheel during the landing roll.