What happened
On 28 June 2005, a Yak-52, registration G-CBMI, was conducting a private flight returning from East Midlands. While attempting to land on the grass Runway 34 at Onecote Strip, Staffordshire, the pilot landed with excessive speed and overshot the intended touchdown point. During the landing roll, the pilot applied continuous braking to stop within the available distance.
As the aircraft decelerated, it began drifting toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft eventually struck a gatepost located at the far end of the strip with its left wing. The impact caused the aircraft to swing into a nearby fence. The collision resulted in damage to both the port and starboard wings, as well as minor damage to the propeller and potential shock loading of the engine. The pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the characteristics of the Onecote Strip, noting that the airfield is situated on a high ridge and is prone to significant up and downdraughts. The runway in use, measuring 600 m by 30 m with a 50 m extension, is subject to these atmospheric variations. The investigation also considered the pilot's actions regarding wind assessment; the pilot was unable to check the windsock prior to the approach.
Findings
- The pilot landed the aircraft with too much speed and overshot the initial touchdown point.
- The aircraft drifted left due to misjudgement of the wind direction and variations in wind during the landing phase.
- The impact with the gatepost was a direct result of the aircraft's lateral drift toward the left edge of the runway.