What happened
On 29 August 2007, a Jodel D112, registration G-BIAH, was conducting a private flight from a grass airstrip in Norfolk. During the initial climb out, the passenger-side entry door of the canopy became unlatched and flew open. The pilot, seeking to end the flight quickly, performed a 180-degree turn to land downwind.
While on the downwind leg of the approach, the pilot attempted to use an oscillatory motion to reduce airspeed. Upon touchdown, the aircraft entered the landing roll, but the wind caught the tail of the aircraft, causing it to pitch over and invert. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent telephone interviews. The investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's flight maneuvers. It was noted that the pilot had a history of using significant rudder input to manage airspeed, a technique he had employed since qualifying in 1974.
Findings
- The entry door had been incorrectly latched prior to flight.
- The aircraft sustained damage including a distorted wing, damaged engine cowling, a damaged canopy, and a shock-loaded engine.
- The primary cause of the inversion was the wind lifting the tail of the aircraft during the landing roll.