What happened
On February 3, 2011, an EADS Socata TBM 700N, registration M-SHEP, was completing a private flight from Guernsey to Dublin Airport. During the landing sequence on Runway 28, the aircraft encountered intense, gusty conditions. While the initial touchdown occurred on the runway centerline, a powerful gust of wind lifted the aircraft off the ground again. The aircraft drifted diagonally across the runway surface, eventually touching down on the right edge near the intersection of Taxiway E3.
During this secondary touchdown, the aircraft's propeller struck a taxiway edge light, resulting in the destruction of the light and damage to the propeller blade tips. The pilot was able to regain directional control and steer the aircraft back toward the center of the runway, eventually taxiing to the light aircraft park without further incident. There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
The investigation
The AAIU examined meteorological data, aircraft performance specifications, and air traffic control records. The investigation confirmed that at the time of the incident, a low-pressure system was driving strong southwesterly winds, with gusts reaching up to 33 knots. Analysis of the Pilot's Operating Handbook revealed that the demonstrated crosswind limit for the EADS Socata TBM 700N is 20 knots. The investigation also noted that the pilot was unaware that a preceding Airbus A320 had performed a go-around due to the weather just minutes earlier.
Findings
- The aircraft attempted a landing in wind conditions where gusts significantly exceeded the manufacturer's demonstrated crosswind performance.
- A severe gust caused the aircraft to become airborne immediately after its initial touchdown, leading to a loss of directional control.
- The propeller strike occurred when the aircraft drifted to the edge of the runway.
- The pilot was unaware that the preceding aircraft had aborted its approach due to the adverse weather conditions.
Safety action
To improve situational awareness for pilots, the AAIU issued a safety recommendation to the Irish Aviation Authority. The recommendation suggests that Air Traffic Control should implement a standard procedure to inform following aircraft of any preceding go-arounds and, where known, the specific reasons for those maneuvers.