What happened
The pilot was conducting an arrival procedure when entering traffic for Runway 21. Meteorological conditions at the time included a wind from 180 degrees with speeds of 15 knots and gusts reaching 35 knots. While on final approach, the pilot decided to slip the aircraft to the right in order to land on a grassy area rather than the paved runway surface. The aircraft touched down beyond the smooth portion of the grass.
After initial contact with the ground, the aircraft veered to the right and encountered soft sand. This interaction caused the nose of the aircraft to collapse downward, resulting in a nose-over incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing attempt. Key findings included the pilot's decision to deviate from the paved runway to land on grass during high wind conditions. The presence of soft sand beyond the smooth grass area contributed to the loss of control and subsequent damage.
Findings
Contributing factors to the accident included:
- Gusty crosswind conditions with winds gusting to 35 knots
- Landing on a non-standard surface (grass) during arrival
- Encountering soft sand beyond the smooth grass area
- Loss of directional control after touchdown
The pilot's decision to land on grass in these weather conditions played a significant role in the outcome. The transition from smooth grass to soft sand likely reduced braking effectiveness and stability.
Safety message
Pilots should exercise extreme caution when attempting to land on non-paved surfaces, especially during gusty wind conditions. Deviating from designated runways can introduce unpredictable hazards such as uneven terrain or soft ground that may compromise aircraft control.