Incident
On 6 July 2013, a Minicab (JB01 Standard) registered G-AWEP was landing at Sittles Farm Airstrip, Lichfield, Staffordshire. The approach and touchdown were normal, but as the pilot applied the brakes, the aircraft yawed left. Despite full opposite rudder and right brake, the pilot could not prevent the aircraft from veering off the left side of the runway at an estimated speed of 10–15 kt into a tall bean crop, where it overturned. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. Damage included the propeller, cowling, canopy, and cabin front and roof.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Minicab, serial number PFA 1801, manufactured in 1969. It was powered by a single Continental Motors Corp C90-8F piston engine. The pilot, aged 55, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 144 hours of flying experience, including 44 hours on type. The flight was private, departing from New York Farm in Lincolnshire to attend a fly‑in at Sittles Farm. The pilot had contacted the airstrip for permission and briefing, and checked weather and NOTAMs before notifying RAF Coningsby. Weather was good with light southerly winds. The pilot chose Runway 27 (530 m) over Runway 17/35 (350 m). Takeoff from Runway 26 at New York Farm required more right rudder than usual to counter left drift. At Sittles Farm, a stable approach was flown at 50 kt, touching down at 45 kt in a three-point attitude. After touchdown, brake application caused an immediate left yaw.
Examination and Probable Cause
Initially unsure of the cause, the pilot later noticed the left wheel could rotate about the main landing gear (MLG) leg axis through ±10–12°. When toed out fully, the brake cable was applying the brake. Removal of the leg assembly revealed considerable rotary play between the piston and tube. The two mild steel pins that control toe angle showed wear, and the holes in the Duralumin piston were ovalised. The brass sealing strips exhibited indentations indicating lateral pin movement. The right MLG also had limited rotational looseness (±3–5°). The owner had recently overhauled both brake assemblies but had not detected the play, likely because the aircraft was jacked on the bottom of each leg. The owner notified the Light Aircraft Association with a recommendation for other Minicab owners to check for this condition.