What happened
On 22 August 2000, a Taylor Titch, registration G-BIAX, was performing a private flight from Popham to Bourne Park Airfield in Hampshire. During the landing phase, the aircraft was approaching the runway towards the east under light and variable wind conditions, noted to have a south easterly drift.
While the approach and initial touchdown were unremarkable, the aircraft began to drift to the right during the final stages of the ground roll at approximately 15 mph. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using the rudder and left brake, but the aircraft continued its course until the right wing tip made contact with a fence post located beside the runway. Following this impact, the aircraft swung 90 degrees to the right, causing the propeller to strike a barbed wire fence. The impact also resulted in the buckling of the left main landing gear towards the fuselage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control during the landing roll. The pilot noted that the aircraft encountered irregularities in the grass surface during the run. It was suggested that the pilot's left foot might have momentarily slipped from the left brake pedal as a result of these surface bumps. Additionally, the possibility of a sudden gust from the south contributing to the deviation was considered.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the right wing tip, and the landing gear.
- The aircraft veered right during the landing roll due to a potential loss of braking pressure or a sudden wind gust.
- There were no injuries to the pilot during the incident.