What happened
On 15 September 2011, a Jodel D112, registration G-AYCP, was performing circuit training at White Fen Farm, Benwick, Cambridgeshire. The flight was a private operation conducted under favorable weather conditions with light, variable winds. During the third circuit, as the aircraft decelerated while approaching the grass runway 36, it suddenly veered toward the left. This movement caused the aircraft to depart the grass strip and enter an adjacent ploughed field. Upon contact with the soft earth, the wheels sank, causing the aircraft to flip onto its back. The pilot was able to exit through the canopy and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Following the incident, the left main landing gear was inspected for any mechanical issues. The examination revealed no evidence of binding brakes or any other mechanical failure that could have caused the sudden directional change.
Findings
- The pilot had limited experience on this specific tail-wheeled aircraft type, with only five hours of flight time on the model.
- Insufficient rudder use to maintain directional control at low speeds led to the aircraft veering off the runway.