What happened
On 19 September 2009, a Zenair CH 601UL Zodiac, registration G-CDAK, was conducting a private flight at Shobdon Airfield in Herefordshire. During the landing phase, the aircraft veered toward the left side of the runway. Following touchdown, the aircraft struck a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) light and sustained damage to its right flap and landing gear. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a drainage ditch located adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of events during the landing roll and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft's deviation from the runway centerline occurred immediately after contact with the ground. The investigation also noted the specific mechanical damage to the landing gear and the right-hand flap caused by the impact with the aerodrome lighting equipment.