Jabiru UL-450 skids off runway at Glenforsa

Casualties unknown • Glenforsa, Isle of Mull, GB

A private flight involving a Jabiru UL-450 resulted in an excursion from a grass runway at Glenforsa due to slippery surface conditions.

What happened

On 23 September 2006, a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-TYKE, was performing a private flight at Glenforsa, Isle of Mull. The pilot completed an aerial assessment of the 730 m grass runway before proceeding to land on Runway 25. The approach and landing were initially uneventful; however, during the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes, causing the aircraft to skid to the left. The aircraft subsequently left the runway and entered an area of rough ground adjacent to the strip. As the aircraft traversed this terrain, the propeller, nose, right landing gear, and right wing tip struck the ground. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.

The investigation

Investigators examined the condition of the airfield and the aircraft following the incident. It was determined that although the runway had appeared suitable during the initial aerial survey, the surface was wet from rainfall that had occurred the previous day. This moisture rendered the grass extremely slippery. The pilot provided information indicating that the loss of control was a direct result of the runway's surface state during braking.

Probable cause

The aircraft skidded off the runway because the grass surface was very slippery due to recent rainfall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-09-23 Jabiru UL-450 accident near Glenforsa, Isle of Mull, GB?

A private flight involving a Jabiru UL-450 resulted in an excursion from a grass runway at Glenforsa due to slippery surface conditions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-09-23 involved a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-TYKE, at Glenforsa, Isle of Mull, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft skidded off the runway because the grass surface was very slippery due to recent rainfall.

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