Accident Details
On 1 August 1999 at 1832 UTC, a Replica Jodel 250 (registration G-BXCG) suffered a runway excursion during landing at Coventry Airport, West Midlands. The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear legs and minor damage to the fuselage. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The single-engine aircraft, equipped with a Lycoming O-320-D2A piston engine, was manufactured in 1997. It was operated under a Private category flight. The 36-year-old commander held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 96 total flying hours, with 22 hours on type. His recent flying experience included 21 hours in the last 90 days and 9 hours in the last 28 days.
Narrative of the Flight
The flight originated from Wales and lasted approximately two hours. The pilot conducted an approach to Runway 23 at Coventry Airport under good weather conditions, noting a light surface wind from the left. The touchdown was reported as normal, and the pilot raised the flaps during the roll. As the pilot reached for the handbrake, the aircraft began to veer to the left. Despite the application of right rudder, the leftward turn continued, and the landing gear collapsed when the aircraft left the paved runway onto the grass.