What happened
On 20 July 2001, a Pitts S-1T, registration G-WILD, was conducting a private flight from White Waltham to Compton Abbas Airfield to participate in an aerobatics competition. While the flight was initially forecast to encounter manageable winds and good visibility, the weather had significantly deteriorated by the time the aircraft arrived, characterized by heavy rain, low cloud, and poor visibility.
During the approach to runway 2D, the pilot followed another aircraft that was clearing the runway. To maintain visual contact with the preceding aircraft, the pilot kept the aircraft yawed to the left. Upon touchdown, the aircraft was traveling at a slightly high speed. The pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in the wheels locking on the short, wet grass surface. The aircraft subsequently skidded and departed the end of the runway, bouncing into standing crops before performing a nose-over onto its back. The pilot escaped the wreckage without none injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the pilot's decision-making during the landing phase. It was established that the wet runway surface and the downslope of runway 26 contributed to the loss of control. The investigation also looked into the pilot's perception of the remaining runway length, noting that the nose of the aircraft obscured the view of the runway ahead. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the impact of the preceding aircraft's taxiing speed, which had been reduced due to the slippery conditions, thereby reducing the expected separation between the two aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the application of brakes that caused the wheels to lock on the wet grass.
- The pilot's depth perception was likely compromised by heavy rain on the cockpit canopy.
- The pilot's decision to hold off the landing to maintain visual contact with the preceding aircraft led to an unintended landing further down the runway than anticipated.
- The preceding aircraft's slow taxiing speed, necessitated by the wet surface, reduced the available separation distance.
- The pilot's higher than normal touchdown speed and the obscured view of the runway end contributed to the accident.