What happened
On 7 March 2014, a Pitts S-2S Special, registration G-EWIZ, was performing a private flight when it experienced a loss of directional control during the landing phase at Gloucestershire Airport. After completing a standard touchdown on Runway 27, the aircraft's speed decreased to approximately 40 knots, at which point it began an uncontrolled right-hand turn.
The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying full left rudder and utilizing the brakes; however, these inputs failed to arrest the turn. Consequently, the aircraft departed the paved runway surface and nosed into the grass area adjacent to the runway. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the wheel, the spat, and the lower left wing.
The investigation
Following the occurrence, the AAIB examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the landing. The investigation focused on the pilot's inability to maintain the centerline despite corrective actions. A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left brake was not functioning correctly, which prevented the pilot from effectively countering the rightward yaw.