What happened
On 10 July 2011, a Fokker DR1 replica, registration SE-XXZ, was completing a landing at Duxford Airfield, Cambridgeshire, following a flying display. The pilot had elected to use the marked grass runway, initially steering slightly to the right to maintain a heading into the wind, which was estimated at approximately 5 knots.
As the aircraft passed behind a Hawker Sea Fury, the latter's engine was started. The resulting propeller wash from the Sea Fury disrupted the aircraft's stability, causing the pilot to lose directional control. During the subsequent ground roll, the left landing gear tyre came off its rim and dug into the earth. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward and come to a halt in an upright position, near a line of parked WWII-era warbirds.
There were no injuries to the pilot, who evacuated the aircraft with help from bystanders. The incident caused damage to the engine mount, the fuselage, and the right wingtip.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events leading to the loss of control and the response of airfield emergency services. The pilot provided a report and a sketch illustrating the landing roll. Investigators also looked into the coordination between display organisers and airfield management regarding emergency vehicle access to the aircraft manoeuvring areas.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was the propeller wash from a Hawker Sea Fury starting its engine as the SE-XXZ passed behind it.
- The failure of the left landing gear tyre to remain on its rim led to the aircraft digging into the ground and pitching forward.
- Concerns were raised regarding the response time of airfield emergency vehicles, leading to a review of clearance procedures for emergency access during active ground operations.
Safety action
Following the incident, display organisers and airfield management addressed uncertainties regarding the clearance for emergency vehicles to enter aircraft manoeuvring areas. Procedures have since been updated to ensure that emergency services can access the scene without conflicting with ongoing flying operations.