What happened
On 5 October 1999, a YAK-52, registration LY-AFB, was conducting a private flight when the pilot decided to alter the landing approach at Stoneacre Farm, Kent. Initially intending to land on Runway 24, the pilot opted for a go-around due to limited visibility caused by the sun. The pilot then attempted a landing on Runway 06, which consisted of a wet grass surface approximately 300 metres in length.
During the approach, the pilot performed a full-stall landing roughly 100 feet from the threshold. While attempting to decelerate on the uphill section of the strip, the brakes locked as the aircraft reached the point where the terrain began to slope downwards. This caused the aircraft to enter a skid. The aircraft subsequently exited the end of the runway, passing through a hedge and a fence, before coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot, who was wearing a five-point harness, sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination established that the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, rudder, ailerons, and wingtips. The investigation also noted the pilot's observations regarding safety equipment, specifically that while the harness prevented more severe trauma, the use of a helmet might have prevented minor head bruising. The pilot also suggested that emergency tools for canopy extraction would be a beneficial addition to the aircraft's equipment.