What happened
On 4 July 2020, an Avro Anson T2-1, registration G-VROE, was conducting a private flight from Coventry Airport to Shobdon Aerodrome. During the final stages of the approach to grass Runway 26, the Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (AFISO) provided the crew with wind information indicating a 20-knot gust from 250°.
As the aircraft approached the aerodrome boundary, a sudden gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the right. The pilot, believing that attempting a lateral correction would lead to a crabbed touchdown or a ground loop, decided to proceed with the landing. The aircraft touched down partially off the runway on unprepared ground and continued its landing roll onto the adjacent grass Taxiway A. There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft's configuration, weight, and balance, as well as the guidance provided in the Air Ministry’s Pilot’s Notes for the Anson. The investigation noted that the aircraft's landing weight was 3,792 kg, well within the permitted limits, and the centre of gravity was 57.7 inches aft of datum.
The investigators reviewed the pilot's decision-making process regarding a go-around. The Pilot's Notes for this aircraft type contain specific warnings about the difficulties of performing a go-around if the airspeed drops too low or if the aircraft is in certain trim configurations. The pilot had interpreted these warnings as a reason to avoid a late go-around once final flap and trim settings were selected.
Additionally, the investigation looked into the operator's requirements. The operator's Organizational Control Manual (OCM) specifies that the Anson should not be operated from airfields with less than 900 metres of grass runway available unless specifically approved. Shobdon’s Runway 26 is 810 metres long.
Findings
- The aircraft drifted from its intended flight path due to a wind gust.
- The pilot chose to land on the unprepared ground beside the runway to avoid potential handling issues associated with a late lateral correction.
- The pilot's decision was influenced by a cautious interpretation of the Pilot's Notes regarding the risks of a go-around.
- The conditions described in the Pilot's Notes that would make a go-around difficult were not actually present during this approach.
- The landing occurred on a runway length that was shorter than the minimum distance specified in the operator's manual.