What happened
On 2 June 2018, a Cessna 140, registration EI-AEM, was performing a general aviation flight from Ballyboy Airfield to the private Snug Beag Airfield in Co. Westmeath. During the approach to runway 19, the aircraft experienced a bounced landing approximately 50 meters past the runway threshold.
Because of overhead electricity cables and trees at the end of the runway, the pilot felt a go-around was not a viable option. To stabilize the aircraft and maintain directional control, the pilot applied full back elevator to keep the tail-wheel in contact with the ground. However, while attempting to decelerate, the pilot applied the brakes with significant force. This caused the aircraft to pitch forward and overturn, eventually coming to rest inverted on the runway. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage to the engine, propeller, fuselage, and wings.
The investigation
The AAIU examined the aircraft's configuration and the pilot's actions during the landing sequence. The investigation noted that the Cessna 140 is a tail-wheel aircraft, a design that is inherently susceptible to directional instability and nose-over tendencies during heavy braking. The investigators also reviewed the airfield layout, noting that while obstacles existed at the runway end, there was sufficient runway remaining at the moment of the bounce to potentially execute a go-around.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in a light configuration as a single-occupant flight.
- The pilot's decision to avoid a go-around was based on the perceived risk of hitting obstacles at the runway threshold.
- The application of heavy braking caused the aircraft to pitch forward over its lateral axis.
- At the time of the overturn, approximately 175 meters of runway remained, suggesting that minimal braking would have been sufficient to reach taxi speed safely.