Accident Overview
On 31 March 2013 at 1230 UTC, a Jabiru UL-450, registration G-TYKE, was landing on Runway 07 at Charterhall Airfield, Berwickshire, following a local private flight. The weather was fine but with a strong and gusting south-easterly wind. During the landing roll, the pilot had difficulty keeping the aircraft on the paved surface. Despite heavy braking, which caused the aircraft to slow considerably, the pilot was unable to prevent it from leaving the runway on the left, downwind side.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Jabiru UL-450, was manufactured in 2001 (serial number PFA 274A-13739). It was powered by one Jabiru Aircraft Pty 2200A piston engine. The pilot, aged 56, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 146 hours, with 77 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 18 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown on Runway 07, the pilot encountered directional control difficulties due to the gusty crosswind. He applied heavy braking, which reduced speed significantly, but the aircraft veered left off the runway. The nose landing gear dug into the soft ground, causing the propeller to strike the surface. The main landing gear was damaged, and the aircraft settled onto its underside.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear and propeller. Neither the pilot nor the single passenger was injured. The damage was limited to the landing gear and propeller; the aircraft was not destroyed.
Investigation
The incident was reported by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted to the UK AAIB. The AAIB Bulletin (8/2013, reference EW/G2013/03/11) documented the occurrence. No probable cause was stated in the report.