What happened
On September 15, 2012, a Cessna 210N, registration LN-TFM, was conducting a series of short flights to provide local youths with aviation experiences. During the approach to runway 15 at Rakkestat Airport, the pilot encountered sudden wind fluctuations. While the approach initially appeared stable at 70–75 knots, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude just above the runway threshold, causing the main gear to strike the surface.
The impact caused the aircraft to bounce. Although the pilot applied power, a second bounce occurred. The pilot then initiated an aborted landing by applying full power and retracting the flaps from 30° to 10°. In an attempt to reduce drag, the pilot retracted the landing gear; however, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude and descended back onto the runway. The aircraft slid approximately 250 meters on its belly, eventually striking a runway light near the left edge of the pavement. There were no injuries among the one pilot and five passengers on board.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the aircraft's performance, the meteorological conditions, and the pilot's execution of the missed approach procedures. Investigators noted that the runway 15 has a 1.9% gradient. Meteorological data suggested that an unstable layer below 5,000 feet likely contributed to turbulence and sudden wind shifts, specifically a potential tailwind component that may have caught the pilot by surprise.
Findings
- The primary cause of the initial instability was sudden changes in wind direction and strength, which likely caused the aircraft to lose lift and bounce upon touchdown.
- The pilot's decision to retract the landing gear may have inadvertently increased drag. In the Cessna 210, the gear swings backward before retracting into the fuselage, momentarily creating significant aerodynamic resistance.
- The retraction of flaps to 10° too early in the sequence reduced necessary lift during a critical phase of the climb.
- The aircraft's high angle of attack following the second bounce prevented the engine from generating enough performance to overcome the drag and the runway gradient.
Safety action
- Pilots performing aborted landings should ensure a positive climb is established before retracting the landing gear.
- Landing gear should not be retracted if there is insufficient runway remaining to ensure a safe climb.
- Proper training in missed approach procedures is essential to ensure correct execution under high-stress conditions where consulting a checklist is not feasible.