What happened
On 30 April 2003, a Jodel D117, registration G-ATWB, was returning to its base at Andrewsfield, Essex, following a flight from a farm strip at Monewden. The pilot was informed that Runway 27 was in use with a wind of 270°/20 kt, and was aware of heavy showers in the area. Upon approaching the airfield, the pilot observed that the airfield was in sight and no rain was falling, leading to the decision to proceed with the landing.
The landing was completed successfully, and the aircraft came to a stop before the pilot turned 90° to the right to vacate the runway. While taxiing at a very low speed, estimated at approximately 1 mph, the pilot held the control column into the wind. During this maneuver, a sudden gust of wind, measured at approximately 28 kt, caused the tail to lift. This resulted in the aircraft tipping forward onto its nose, which caused the propeller to shatter and potentially subjected the engine to shock loading.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of events during the taxi phase and the impact of the wind conditions. The investigation established that the aircraft was being operated in a private capacity with no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.