What happened
On 20 December 1998, a Yak 52, registration LA-ABQ, was involved in a ground accident at Leicester Airport during a private flight. After notifying Air Traffic Control of his intentions, the pilot taxied the aircraft onto the active runway and began backtracking toward the holding point for Runway 33. During this maneuver, the pilot observed another aircraft approaching for a landing on the same runway.
In an effort to clear the runway quickly, the pilot increased engine power to accelerate toward the holding point. However, as the pilot attempted to reduce throttle near the end of the runway, the aircraft failed to stop within the remaining distance. The aircraft overran the paved surface and entered soft ground. The nosewheel subsequently sank into the earth, and aided by a strong tailwind, the aircraft overturned onto its back. The two persons on board sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft after it was moved to a nearby hangar. The inspection confirmed that the brake system air reservoirs were properly charged and that the braking system was functioning as intended. While the air valve in the cockpit was found in the OFF position, investigators noted that this could have occurred during the recovery process of the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced insufficient braking distance to stop before the end of the runway.
- The pilot increased power to expedite the backtrack following the sighting of an arriving aircraft.
- The aircraft's nosewheel sank into soft ground following the runway excursion.
- It is noted that brake fade is a known characteristic of this aircraft type when wheel brakes reach high temperatures.