What happened
On 13 December 2009, a Jodel D18, registration G-JRKD, was participating in a private flight at Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot under the supervision of a flying instructor. Following a period of fast taxi practice and two aborted takeoff attempts, the crew commenced a circuit.
During the second circuit, the pilot attempted a go-around by applying full power. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden leftward movement at a very low airspeed. As the aircraft drifted to the right, the right wing dropped and made contact with the ground. Although the instructor attempted to intervene by closing the throttle to mitigate the impact, the left wing subsequently struck the ground. This resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear and the propeller striking the earth. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the lower cowling, and the left main landing gear, while the engine also suffered a shock-load. The flight concluded with a successful landing on the following circuit.
The investigation
The investigation was based on accident report forms provided by both the instructor and the student pilot. The weather conditions at the time were noted as fine, with a light north-easterly wind of 5 to 8 knots. The investigation focused on the aircraft's handling during the application of power and the subsequent loss of control.
Findings
- The aircraft was not tracking straight or under full control at the moment power was applied for the go-around.
- The application of full power during the go-around caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left before drifting right.
- There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.