What happened
On 16 September 2011, a Jodel D120 Paris-Nice, registration G-BKAE, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Sleap Airfield, Shropshire. The flight was part of a Light Aircraft Association (LAA) pilotage coaching scheme, with the aircraft owner acting as the student pilot under the instruction of an experienced instructor.
At the start of the takeoff roll, the pilot held the aircraft stationary using the brakes while increasing engine power to approximately 2,000 rpm. Upon releasing the wheelbrake pedals, the aircraft began to swing toward the left. In an attempt to correct this, the pilot applied right rudder; however, this input was excessive and caused the aircraft to yaw sharply to the right, eventually rotating through approximately 180 degrees. The yaw became uncontrollable, resulting in the left wing contacting the runway and the subsequent collapse of the landing gear. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff technique and the aircraft's braking configuration. It was noted that the aircraft was equipped with separate wheelbrake pedals located only in the left seat position. These pedals were positioned side-by-side with the rudder pedals but were not mechanically connected to them.
Investigators found that the pilot used a technique taught by the instructor where power is applied against the brakes before release. This method can induce a significant yaw if the brakes are not released symmetrically. Furthermore, the investigation established that there was a brief period after brake release where the pilot's feet were transitioning to the rudder pedals, leaving the aircraft without active directional control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the combined application of right rudder by both the pilot and the instructor in response to the initial leftward swing, which induced an uncontrollable yaw to the right.
- The pilot's lack of mental preparation for the takeoff, due to not being briefed on his role as the person performing the takeoff until after boarding, likely contributed to the event.
- The use of an unconventional takeoff technique, involving applying high power while holding the brakes, contributed to the difficulty in maintaining directional control.