What happened
On 23 July 2010, a Jabiru UL-D, registration G-CDKP, was performing solo circuits at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Essex. During the approach to Runway 03, the student pilot allowed the aircraft to descend too low. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a bounce before making a second contact with the runway surface. Following this second touchdown, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway, eventually coming to a halt in a nearby field of corn.
The pilot, who was a student with 35 total flying hours, sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft via the cabin door. The incident resulted in damage to the aircraft's left wing and landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. It was noted that the surface wind was light, originating from the north-west at less than 5 knots. The investigation focused on the aircraft's descent profile during the final stages of the approach and the subsequent loss of directional control on the runway.
Findings
- The student pilot allowed the aircraft to become low on the approach.
- The aircraft bounced during the initial touchdown phase.
- The aircraft veered left of the runway centerline after the second touchdown, leading to the excursion into the adjacent field.