What happened
On 1 May 2005, a Team Minimax aircraft, registration G-BYBW, was performing a private flight at Washington Airstrip in West Sussex. The airfield is a private grass strip situated near the South Downs Way, characterized by a significant runway slope and a nearby ridge. Due to the terrain and wind conditions, takeoffs are typically conducted on Runway 24, while landings occur on the reciprocal Runway 06.
During the landing, the pilot conducted a standard approach at 55 knots and achieved a three-point touchdown. As the aircraft continued its landing roll on the damp, five-inch high grass, the pilot experienced a sudden deceleration and a leftward yaw. Despite the pilot maintaining continuous full aft control column deflection, the aircraft's tail lifted, causing the plane to pitch forward onto its nose. The aircraft then rolled to the right until the right wing tip struck the ground, before eventually coming to rest in an upright position. The pilot was uninjured and exited the aircraft without difficulty.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the mechanical interaction between the aircraft and the runway surface. Investigators noted that the grass was approximately five inches high and slightly damp. The aircraft was equipped with a low-slung straight axle and band brakes. The pilot suggested that the sequence of events was driven by the combination of the tailwind, the specific landing gear configuration, and the resistance provided by the long grass.