What happened
On 22 June 2003, a Jabiru SK, registration G-BYNL, was performing a private flight departing from Tatenhill Airfield for Retford. During the takeoff roll on Runway 08, the pilot noted that the indicated airspeed was lower than expected relative to the engine performance and groundspeed. Due to limited remaining runway, the pilot continued the takeoff. Once airborne, the pilot maintained full power and a shallow climb to stay above stall speed, eventually entering a left-hand circuit to return to the airfield.
During the initial final approach, the flap lever slipped from its detent approximately 50 feet above the threshold, causing the aircraft to drop suddenly and prompting a go-around. The pilot then requested an approach to Runway 04. To manage the approach, the pilot used engine power and aircraft attitude to maintain a higher-than-normal speed. As the aircraft approached the runway, the wind shifted, resulting in a significant crosswind from the right. The aircraft touched down halfway down the runway. Realizing there was insufficient distance to stop before a metal gate at the end of the runway, the pilot turned left to avoid the obstacle, causing the aircraft to strike a hawthorn hedge at roughly 10 kt. The pilot sustained no injuries, though the propeller, spinner, and engine cowling were damaged.
The investigation
Investigators examined the pitot tube and discovered the inlet was obstructed by a thin layer of dried mud and an internal blockage caused by an egg-laying wasp. The aircraft had been left without its pitot cover for approximately one week following its previous flight on 8 June, providing an opportunity for the wasp to enter the system. The pilot's pre-flight inspection had not identified these obstructions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the airspeed discrepancy was a blocked pitot tube caused by mud and wasp activity.
- The pilot felt pressured to land quickly to avoid inconveniencing other aircraft in the circuit and because the airfield fire vehicle was already on standby.
- The decision to land on Runway 04, despite the shifting winds and high approach speed, contributed to the overrun.