What happened
On 5 October 2013, a Maverick 430, registration G-ONFL, was conducting a private flight at North Coates Airfield in Lincolnshire. During the landing phase on the grass Runway 23, the pilot successfully touched down on the centerline. However, as the aircraft continued its landing roll, it began to drift toward the right side of the runway. Despite the pilot applying left rudder to correct the deviation, the aircraft moved further off the runway surface.
Because the aircraft is a tail-dragger configuration, the pilot's forward visibility was partially obstructed. Consequently, the pilot did not observe a runway marker situated on the adjacent grass area. The aircraft struck the marker, which consisted of a metal frame supporting plastic triangular signs. The impact caused a hole in the fuselage, a large tear under the tail section, and caused the left lower tail bracing cable to snap.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the airfield's infrastructure. There were no reported issues regarding the serviceability of the rudder system. Investigators also reviewed the design of the runway marker and the regulatory guidance for unlicensed aerodromes. The investigation noted that the marker's design was not sufficiently frangible to minimize damage upon impact. The investigation also referenced existing CAA guidance, such as CAP 168 and CAP 793, which provides standards for aerodrome physical characteristics and the use of frangible aids to navigation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the collision with a runway marker after the aircraft drifted right of the runway centerline.
- The pilot's view of the ground ahead was obscured by the aircraft's tail-dragger design, preventing the detection of the obstacle.
- The runway marker was not sufficiently designed to break or yield upon impact to minimize the hazard to the aircraft.