What happened
On 13 June 2009, a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-BYYT, was performing a private flight at Hayward Private Airstrip in Herefordshire. During the approach to Runway 22, the aircraft encountered a light south-westerly wind. As the pilot touched down on the grass runway, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to drift off the centreline.
In an effort to correct the aircraft's position and reduce speed, the pilot applied the brakes. However, the application of the right brake proved more effective than the left, inducing a skid. During this loss of directional control, the left wingtip struck the ground. The momentum of the excursion caused the aircraft to depart the right side of the runway, eventually colliding with a group of tree saplings. The pilot sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical response of the aircraft's braking system. It was established that the aircraft's movement off the runway was driven by the uneven braking force applied during the attempt to regain the centreline. The impact with the vegetation resulted in damage to the propeller, the nose gear, and the left wingtip.