AAIB investigation to Vans RV-12, G-CMKL
Runway excursion on landing, Midlem Airfield, nr Selkirk, 28 October 2018.
Summary:
The aircraft was landing on Runway 06 at Midlem Airfield in good weather conditions after its maiden flight. During the landing roll, the aircraft drifted to the left due to the downslope across the runway. It departed the runway and came to rest in a shallow ditch. The propeller struck the ground, shock loading the engine and the nose landing gear leg was bent. The pilot was uninjured and able to vacate the aircraft unaided through the normal exit.
The pilot candidly made the following assessment to highlight what he considers are the safety lessons which could help prevent a similar accident.
“1/ I should have made myself aware of the dangers of running off the main runway, i.e. ditches;
2/ Despite extensive taxi trials, I underestimated the effect of the sloping runway on landing; 3/ On reflection I should have been more aggressive on the brakes at touchdown;
4/ Knowing I was a touch fast, should have gone around.”
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