What happened
On 14 January 2012, a Vans RV-8, registration G-XSEA, was performing a private flight when it arrived at North Weald Airfield in Essex. During the landing phase, the pilot taxied onto Runway 20. As the aircraft reached the end of the landing roll, it entered a ground loop. This maneuver resulted in damage to the aircraft's tailwheel.
There were two people on board the aircraft, including the pilot, and no injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
An investigation was conducted following the submission of an aircraft accident report by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the circumstances surrounding the loss of directional control during the landing roll. The investigation established that the pilot was operating a tailwheel aircraft, which inherently presents specific handling characteristics during ground operations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the ground loop was the pilot's temporary loss of directional sense.
- This disorientation was triggered by the glare from the low sun, which shone directly into the cockpit.
- The pilot noted that the inherent limitations regarding forward visibility in a tailwheel configuration contributed to the difficulty in maintaining control during the bright conditions.