What happened
On 24 July 1999, a Jabiru UL, registration G-BYIF, was conducting a private flight from Lydd Airport to Stowting Rough Airstrip in Kent. The weather conditions were generally good, characterized by a light surface wind and an air temperature of approximately 21°C. The pilot had previously completed two successful circuits at roughly 100 feet above ground level before commencing the final approach to Runway 06.
During the final approach, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and maintained an airspeed exceeding 50 knots. As the pilot initiated the flare, a powerful squally gust struck the aircraft, causing the right wing to rise. This wind event pushed G-BYIF to the left of the runway centerline. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full power to execute a go-around. However, the aircraft drifted further left and struck the tops of trees located to the north of the airstrip at an altitude of roughly 15 to 20 feet. The impact occurred before the pilot could retract the flaps. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained significant damage, including a damaged propeller, nose leg, and fuselage cracks, necessitating the replacement of the left wing.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and handling characteristics. During the repair process, no evidence of prior unserviceability was identified. A repair organization that had previously test-flown G-BYIF noted that the aircraft's handling was consistent with other aircraft of the same model. The investigation also looked into the aerodynamic configuration during the maneuver, noting that while a go-around is most effective with Flaps 1, the pilot had retained full flaps during the attempt.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact with trees following a loss of directional control caused by a sudden, strong gust of wind.
- The pilot's ability to maintain control was compromised by a lack of sufficient aileron authority at the low airspeed of 50 knots while configured with full flaps.
- The aircraft's drift to the left of the runway centerline prevented a successful recovery during the go-around attempt.