What happened
On August 13, 2019, at approximately 18:15 LMT, an ultralight Virus 912 SW, registration SP-SVIM, was performing circuit patterns at Bydgoszcz Airport (EPBY). While on final approach to the grass runway in direction 29, the aircraft was in the flare phase when a sudden wind gust occurred. This gust caused the aircraft to land with a significant drift and a side slip. As a result of the impact, the nose landing gear strut broke, and the aircraft's forward motion was halted when the propeller spinner struck the ground.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the aircraft operator, examined the flight sequence and environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Meteorological data from 17:30 LMT indicated CAVOK conditions with turbulence and winds from 270 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 23 knots. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that the pilot had accumulated 696 total flight hours, with 297 hours specifically on the Virus 912 SW type. The pilot had flown 26 hours and 54 minutes on this specific aircraft within the 90 days preceding the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot error, specifically a delayed or incorrect reaction to a wind gust during the flare phase of the landing.
- Environmental conditions included gusty winds reaching up to 23 knots, which contributed to the aircraft's unstable touchdown.
- The structural failure of the nose landing gear and damage to the propeller spinner and engine cowling were direct consequences of the landing technique and the wind gust.