What happened
On 15 July 2005, a Jodel D11, registration G-BAPR, was conducting a private flight from Oaksey Park to Wolverhampton Airport. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, arrived in the overhead pattern at approximately 1700 hrs. During the approach to runway 28, the pilot noted rising terrain to the east and discussed potential impacts on height perception with the passenger.
As the aircraft established on final approach, the wind was reported as light and variable. The pilot, anticipating a crosswind component, utilized a side slip to reduce height on short finals. Although the round-out was described as normal, the pilot noted that the aircraft touched down slightly early. Following the touchdown, the aircraft experienced a small bounce before settling into a three-point attitude.
While the pilot was managing the landing roll, the aircraft suddenly veered violently to the right. In an attempt to correct the direction, the pilot applied full left rudder and left braking, followed by a burst of power. While these inputs stopped the rightward yaw, they triggered a secondary yaw to the left. The pilot then applied full right rudder and right braking and closed the throttle, but the yaw intensified. During this sequence, the right main undercarriage leg failed, causing the aircraft to slide on its left main wheel and tailwheel, eventually resulting in the propeller contacting the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's movements during the landing roll and the mechanical integrity of the landing gear. The pilot provided testimony regarding the wind conditions and his control inputs. An assessment of the wreckage by a repair agency determined that the right main undercarriage had failed at the inboard section. The impact also caused damage to the right wing and the propeller, and the engine sustained shock loading. Due to the extent of the damage, the aircraft was declared beyond economic repair.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control caused by a gust of wind from the right.
- The failure of the right main undercarriage leg occurred inboard during the excursion.
- The pilot's corrective actions, specifically the application of full rudder and braking, contributed to the secondary yaw to the left.