AAIB investigation to Jodel DR250/160, G-BUVM
Loss of directional control after landing, Crosland Moor Airfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, 11 August 2020
Summary:
The pilot was flying this tail-dragger aircraft with its co-owner to increase his currency and proficiency after a period of reduced flying activity due to public health restrictions. The flight had been uneventful, and the choice of Runway 25 for landing considered a 5 kt tailwind, upslope, and a hedge before the threshold of the reciprocal runway.
The pilot reported that they encountered buffeting and windshear at about 50 ft, which he attributed to an adjacent quarry. He thought that the flare was normal, but the aircraft slewed left in the turbulent air and he overcorrected using right rudder. He reported that “subsequent oscillations required full rudder deflection with braking” and the aircraft departed the right side of the runway onto the grass. The right wing struck a metal gate post approximately eight feet from a raised embankment at the airfield perimeter, and the aircraft came to rest inverted. The passenger sustained serious injuries, but both occupants were able to exit through the left cockpit window, which had broken.
The pilot cited that the tail wind conditions during the approach, along with the local topography, combined with the lack of recent flying practice were factors that led to the accident.
Dowload report: