History of the Flight
On 27 September 2008 at 1655 UTC, a Jabiru UL-450 (registration G-JABS) operated by a private pilot conducted a flight from Chilbolton Airfield in Hampshire. The pilot, the sole occupant, performed a normal approach and touchdown on grass Runway 06. After touchdown, the pilot began to brake. A few seconds later, the aircraft veered or skidded to the left. Despite applying full right rudder, the pilot could not correct the deviation. The aircraft departed the runway, and the nosewheel dropped onto an adjacent cultivated area, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft continued for 10 to 15 metres before stopping, at which point the right wing dropped sufficiently to contact the ground.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Jabiru UL-450, manufactured in 2003, powered by one Jabiru Aircraft Pty 2200A piston engine. The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and was 64 years old. His total flying experience was 129 hours, of which 63 hours were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 9 hours, with 6 hours in the last 28 days.
Weather and Runway Conditions
The weather at the time was good with no wind. The pilot noted that the grass was becoming damp with dew.
Damage and Investigation
The accident resulted in damage to the starboard wing, propeller, nosewheel and its linkage. A subsequent engineering inspection identified no technical defects that might have contributed to the accident. The pilot considered it possible that after touchdown, the combination of braking and rudder inputs caused the aircraft to skid. He could not recall whether he released the brakes while attempting to recover control.
Injuries
The pilot reported no injuries.
Source
This article is based on the AAIB Bulletin 1/2009, reference EW/G2008/09/27.