What happened
On 13 November 2004, a Jodel DR1050 Ambassadeur, registration G-AWWO, was conducting a private flight from Manchester Barton to Huddersfield (Crosland Moor) Aerodrome. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, proceeded normally until the landing phase at Crosland Moor.
During the final approach to Runway 25, the pilot deployed the wing-mounted airbrakes and adjusted power to maintain the approach angle. As the aircraft flared over the runway threshold, the pilot increased power to account for the runway's significant upslope. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted toward the left side of the runway, causing the tail wheel to contact the grass area adjacent to the asphalt.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around using takeoff power. However, the airbrakes remained extended. As the aircraft progressed, it approached a series of grass mounds located near the runway. To avoid the second mound, the pilot applied right rudder, causing the aircraft to yaw. This movement resulted in the tail striking the mound, which forced the aircraft into a level touchdown attitude. The aircraft slid along the surface before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the airfield conditions at the time of the incident. The inspection of the aircraft's tail confirmed that the rear fuselage had sustained serious damage, likely caused by the impact with the grass mound.
The investigation also assessed the wind conditions. While the pilot had initially interpreted the windsock as indicating a light crosswind, it was later determined that the wind was likely between 10 and 15 knots, a strength that was more significant than initially perceived.