Summary
On 5 October 2013 at 1100 hrs, a Maverick 430 aircraft (registration G-ONFL) was involved in an accident while landing at North Coates Airfield, Lincolnshire. The aircraft was being operated under a Private flight by the sole pilot, who held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 318 hours of flying experience (38 hours on type). The aircraft touched down on the centreline of grass Runway 23 but later drifted to the right despite the pilot applying left rudder. The pilot reported that the forward view was obscured by the taildragger configuration, and he did not see a runway marker until impact.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Maverick 430, manufactured in 1995 (Serial No: PFA 259-12750), powered by one Rotax 503 piston engine. The pilot was 46 years old with a total of 318 flying hours, including 38 hours on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 3 hours, and in the last 28 days, 2 hours.
The Event
After landing on Runway 23, the aircraft drifted to the right of the runway. The pilot reported excellent visibility and a slight northerly wind. He was not initially concerned as there was a large grass area adjacent to the runway. However, the taildragger configuration of the aircraft limited his forward view, preventing him from seeing a runway marker. The aircraft struck the marker, which consisted of a triangle of plastic signs held up by a metal frame embedded in the ground. No problems with the rudder system serviceability were reported.
Damage and Aftermath
The impact caused a hole in the fuselage, a large tear under the fuselage by the tail, and a snapped left tail lower bracing cable. The pilot sustained no injuries. No passengers were on board. Following the accident, the airfield replaced its markers with ones of a different design.
Relevant Guidance
The CAA provides guidance on frangible markers in CAP 168 - Licensing of Aerodromes, which is also referenced by CAP 793 - Safe Operating Practices at Unlicensed Aerodromes. CAP 168 states that aids to air navigation within a runway strip should be as light and frangible as possible to minimize hazard to aircraft. North Coates Airfield is unlicensed, but CAP 793 advises that licensing criteria can serve as guidance for unlicensed aerodromes.