What happened
On 29 May 1999, a Jodel DR1050-M, registration G-ATLB, was performing a private landing at the Rufforth Gliding Centre near York. The pilot approached Runway 24, noting from the windsock that the wind was approximately 280° at an estimated speed of 5 knots. The approach was conducted at a standard speed of 70 mph.
Following a normal touchdown and initial ground roll, the aircraft traveled approximately 150 to 200 metres before it suddenly veered toward the right. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying left rudder while ensuring the engine was at idle RPM, but the control input failed to arrest the movement. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the runway, oriented roughly 90° from the original direction of travel. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller tips, the left wing, and the left main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examiner noted that the pilot had 860 total flying hours, with 109 hours specifically on this aircraft type. The pilot's recent flying experience was limited, with only two hours logged in the previous 90 days. The investigation examined the aircraft's behavior during the landing roll and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident.