What happened
On 5 July 2008, a Yak-3, registration G-CDBJ, was attempting to land at Pent Farm Airstrip in Folkestone, Kent, following a display flight at London City Airport. The aircraft was operating on a private flight and was attempting to use Runway 03. The grass runway, which was dry and firm, features a significant upward gradient of approximately 230 feet.
Upon touchdown on all three wheels, the pilot applied light braking. However, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway length. As the aircraft crossed a cart track located midway along the runway, it was lifted back into the air. The pilot opted not to perform a go-around due to the presence of power lines and rising terrain ahead. During the subsequent overrun, the left main landing gear struck a substantial fence post, causing the leg to detach from the airframe and resulting in damage to two propeller blades.
Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured and were able to exit the aircraft through the canopy without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the runway conditions and local meteorological data. While the pilot reported a southerly wind of 10 knots, analysis of the south westerly gradient and weather reports from nearby Lydd and Manston airports suggested stronger conditions, with surface winds estimated at 220 degrees at 12-15 knots, gusting up to 25 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft overran the runway while attempting to land on a grass surface with a significant upward slope.
- The left main landing gear struck a fence post, leading to its detachment and subsequent propeller damage.