What happened
On 4 July 1999, a Streak Shadow, registration G-BUWR, was conducting a private flight when it experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll at Little Cornard Airstrip, Suffolk. As the aircraft decelerated following touchdown, it began to veer toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using left rudder and braking, but the aircraft continued its path until it collided with the airfield's boundary fence.
The impact caused damage to the aircraft's nosecone and the nose landing gear. Although the pilot was uninjured, the collision with the fence wires rendered the canopy inoperable, trapping the pilot inside the cockpit. Because the pilot did not perceive an immediate threat of fire or further danger, and because assistance was nearby, he chose to remain in the cockpit rather than risk further damage by forcing the canopy open. He was eventually assisted from the aircraft by others.
The investigation
Following the incident, an examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine why the steering control was lost. The investigation focused on the condition of the landing gear and the tires. The pilot's post-accident inspection identified that the right main landing gear tire had lost pressure due to a puncture.
Findings
- The investigation established that a hole was present on the centerline of the inside surface of the inner tube.
- It was noted that the wheel assembly consists of two separate parts, and it was possible that the inner tube had been pinched between these components during assembly or operation.