What happened
On 3 May 2003, a Jodel D117, registration G-BGTX, was performing a private flight from Shobdon to Kemble Airfield. The purpose of the flight was to deliver a pilot to collect a different aircraft. During the approach to the asphalt-surfaced Runway 26, the pilot completed a standard circuit, experiencing minor turbulence that did not cause immediate concern.
The aircraft touched down at approximately 65 mph, and the initial landing was described as normal. However, as the aircraft decelerated and the tail was lowered, the aircraft suddenly swung to the left. This rotation continued through approximately 180 degrees, eventually bringing the aircraft to a halt near the grass area on the south side of the runway.
The incident resulted in damage to the propeller tips and the collapse of both main landing gears, which folded to the left at the points where they entered the fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's structural integrity and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators looked into the nature of the damage to the landing gear and performed a test for shock loading on the engine, which revealed no additional damage beyond the initial impact. Meteorological data indicated that a gust of 17 kt had occurred during the event.