What happened
On 3 May 2009, a Savannah Jabiru, registration G-CBBM, was completing a private flight at Southend Airport, Essex. Shortly after the aircraft touched down on Runway 22, it was struck by a gust of wind originating from the right. This wind caused the aircraft to yaw toward the starboard side. In an attempt to counteract this movement, the pilot applied full left rudder. However, this action resulted in a subsequent yaw to the left, and the pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from departing the runway onto the left-hand, downwind side.
As the aircraft moved off the paved surface, it struck an irregularity in the grass area. The impact caused the aircraft to come to an abrupt stop, resulting in damage to the nose landing gear and propeller. Both the pilot and the passenger were wearing appropriate safety harnesses and sustained no injuries during the event.
The investigation
Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's movement following the landing. Air Traffic Control (ATC) reported that the wind at the time was approximately 11 knots, though it was characterized as gusty, with a direction of 300º(M). The investigation established that the aircraft was significantly affected by a wind gust of up to 25 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft departed the runway due to an uncontrolled yaw following a significant wind gust.
- The pilot's corrective rudder input contributed to the aircraft veering toward the left side of the runway.
- The physical damage to the aircraft was caused by the nose gear and propeller striking an uneven patch of ground on the grass verge.