What happened
On 21 October 2012, a Jodel D120 Paris-Nice, registration G-ATLV, was conducting a private local circuit flight at Shenstone Airfield in Staffordshire. During the flight, the pilot encountered a 7-knot surface wind from 050°, resulting in a light crosswind from the right.
While performing the landing on Runway 33, the pilot noted that the approach was both fast and high. During the subsequent ground roll, the pilot applied an excessive amount of left rudder. This caused the aircraft to lose directional control, leading it to veer off the runway to the left, where it eventually struck the base of a windsock. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing leading edge and the undercarriage, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the flight conditions, including the wind direction and speed, and the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the landing phase. The investigation established that the pilot was preoccupied with managing the crosswind component during the approach and landing.
Findings
- The pilot's excessive use of left rudder during the landing roll caused the loss of directional control.
- The approach to the runway was characterized by an excessive speed and a high glide path.
- The pilot was focused on compensating for the 7-knot crosswind from the right.