What happened
On 1 February 1998, a Piper L18C, registration G-AYPR, was conducting a private training flight at Leicester Airport. The flight was intended to transition a pilot with approximately 300 total flying hours to this specific aircraft type. The pilot occupied the front seat, while an instructor with significant tailwheel experience sat in the rear.
Following a standard takeoff, the aircraft performed normally in flight. During the approach to Runway 10, the pilot reduced power on the base leg and maintained an approach speed of 60 knots. While performing the flare, the pilot briefly and unintentionally increased the throttle before returning it to the closed position prior to touchdown.
Immediately upon contact with the runway, the aircraft experienced a rapid swing to the left. Despite the pilot applying full right rudder and the instructor attempting to assist with right rudder and right heel-brake application, the aircraft failed to maintain its centerline. The aircraft veered off the paved runway surface and onto the grass border, where it continued to yaw left and slide right. The excursion ended when the wheels entered a small ditch, causing the right wing to strike the ground. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage and the right wing.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot, as well as telephone interviews with the instructor and the repair company. Investigators examined the mechanical condition of the aircraft, specifically looking for any failures in the braking or landing gear systems. The repair company reported that no defects were found in the brakes or the landing gear following their inspection.