What happened
On 5 November 2016, a Robin R1180TD, registration EI-ROB, was conducting a general aviation flight from Weston Airport to Kerry Airport. During the landing phase on runway 08, the pilot encountered a sudden gust of wind. This gust caused the aircraft to weathercock, leading it to veer toward the edge of the runway.
As the aircraft left the paved surface and entered the soft, wet grass, the nose-gear became embedded in the ground. The pilot initially attempted to initiate a go-around by applying full power, but the extreme drag from the boggy terrain made this impossible. The pilot subsequently closed the throttle, and the aircraft pitched forward onto its nose before coming to a stop. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without assistance, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The AAIU conducted a field investigation, including a survey of the aircraft and an interview with the pilot. The investigation examined the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, the pilot's experience, and the mechanical state of the aircraft.
Investigators reviewed airfield wind recordings, which showed fluctuating wind directions and strengths. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's handling characteristics, specifically its susceptibility to weathercocking due to its large fin and engine configuration. The physical damage to the aircraft was also documented, noting significant impact to the propeller and nose-gear assembly.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a bent nose-wheel strut, damaged cowling, and propeller blade deformation caused by shock loading.
- The pilot was not previously familiar with the layout of Kerry Airport.
- A sudden wind gust caused the aircraft to weathercock and veer off the runway.
- The presence of a large fin and the influence of the propeller's spiral slipstream contributed to the aircraft's tendency to veer.
- The wet, soft nature of the ground at the runway edge created extreme drag, preventing a successful go-around.
- Variations in wind direction may have introduced a tailwind component, increasing the aircraft's ground speed during the approach.