What happened
On 25 June 1999, a Jodel DR1051, registration G-BPLH, was engaged in a private training flight at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, Devon. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor, with the specific objective of completing a type conversion for this tailwheel aircraft.
Following a successful approach and touchdown, the aircraft began to oscillate during the landing roll. The student pilot initially managed to correct a leftward swing; however, the aircraft subsequently swung to the right. This movement developed into a ground loop before the instructor could intervene with corrective controls. The impact of the maneuver caused both main landing gear units to collapse and resulted in bent propeller tips.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the flight circumstances, noting that the wind conditions at the time of the incident were light and variable. The crew, consisting of the student and the instructor, sustained no injuries during the event.