Accident Overview
On 28 October 2002 at 1330 hours UTC, a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-BZSZ, was landing at Pent Farm Strip, Kent. The pilot, aged 70, held a Private Pilot's Licence (Microlights) and had accumulated 621 hours total flying experience, with 79 hours on type. The aircraft was manufactured in 2001 and powered by a single Jabiru Aircraft Pty 2200A piston engine. The private flight carried one pilot and one passenger.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's Aircraft Accident Report Form, a normal touchdown was completed on the grass strip. During the subsequent roll out, the aircraft crossed a pathway that transected the runway. As the nosewheel passed over the rut formed by this pathway, the nose leg collapsed. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward and flip over onto its back. The weather conditions at the time were described as good with a very light crosswind.
Occupant Safety and Damage
Both occupants received only minor injuries and were able to evacuate the aircraft via the doors. The seats and harnesses had performed satisfactorily. Photographs indicated that the high wing configuration and the relatively slow speed of the aircraft had protected the occupants from serious injury when the aircraft struck the ground inverted. The damage sustained included damage to the nose leg, fin, and upper side of the aircraft.
Pilot Experience
The commander's flying experience included 621 hours total, of which 79 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 25 hours, and in the last 28 days, 9 hours.