What happened
On 16 August 2025, a Britten-Norman Islander, registration VP-MNI, was performing a commercial passenger flight between Antigua and Montserrat. During the return leg to Montserrat, the pilot encountered significant turbulence, windshear, and strong gusts. While approaching Runway 28, the pilot noted a heavy right drift that required continuous full left aileron and right rudder to maintain the centerline.
After an initial aborted approach, a second attempt was made. During this second approach, a sudden gust caused the aircraft to float significantly down the runway. Fearing a long landing, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, the aircraft failed to climb as expected, likely due to the unstable wind conditions. The aircraft overran the runway surface, striking two airfield lights at the Runway 10 threshold. The impact caused damage to the left mainwheel brake caliper. The aircraft then diverted to Antigua, where it landed safely using differential thrust because the left brake was no longer functional. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's experience, and the operator's procedures. Investigators noted that an aircraft preceding VP-MNI had issued warnings regarding windshear and turbulence. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training records, noting that while the pilot held a valid license, he had 49 hours on type, which fell short of the company's 100-hour requirement for operating from Montserrat.
Furthermore, the investigation analyzed the aircraft's handling during the approach. The pilot had been using full aileron deflection to counteract crosswinds, which effectively compromised his ability to correct any further lateral movement. The investigation also looked into the operator's manual regarding stabilized approach criteria and crosswind techniques.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in highly challenging meteorological conditions, including turbulence and windshear.
- The pilot's decision to continue the second approach may have been influenced by continuation bias despite emerging cues that the approach was unstable.
- The aircraft's performance during the go-around was compromised by unpredictable downdrafts and wind conditions.
- The use of sustained, full-scale roll control to maintain the centerline left the pilot with insufficient control authority to manage additional lateral disturbances.
Safety action
- The operator updated its manuals to replace references to 'type' with 'class' regarding experience requirements.
- The operator amended its operations manual to emphasize the use of the crab method for crosswind landings, aiming to reduce the need for sustained roll control inputs.