What happened
On 16 May 2015, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registration G-MEGS, was conducting a private flight from Cambridge Airport to Perranporth Airfield. The pilot, who had approximately 40 hours of experience as pilot-in-command, arrived at the airfield shortly before its scheduled closing time. Due to an inability to contact the local radio station, the pilot received weather information via Newquay Airport ATC, which indicated a surface wind of 320 degrees at 15 knots.
While approaching Runway 05, the pilot experienced speeds approximately 10 knots higher than intended. During the landing flare, the aircraft ballooned, and the pilot maintained the aircraft's attitude, resulting in a heavy touchdown. The pilot noted an audible bang during the impact, which was initially attributed to the landing gear. The aircraft returned to its home base, but subsequent inspections revealed that the propeller tips were abraded and the fuselage frames, bulkheads, and lower skin had sustained structural damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the weather conditions, and the aircraft's handling characteristics. It was established that the wind conditions at the time were at the maximum demonstrated crosswind limit for the Cessna 172S. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight planning and the pressure felt due to the approaching airfield closure. Maintenance records were reviewed, confirming that the damage was consistent with a high-impact landing.
Findings
- The wind conditions were at or near the maximum demonstrated crosswind capability for the aircraft type.
- The pilot was operating with relatively low experience as pilot-in-command.
- The arrival time, near the airfield's closing, created pressure that likely limited the pilot's ability to consider alternative runways or diversionary tactics.
- The heavy landing was the primary cause of the structural damage to the airframe.
- The pilot's approach speed was higher than the intended target during the final stages of the landing.
Safety action
Following the incident, the flying club from which the aircraft was hired implemented stricter weather and currency requirements for pilots with fewer than 100 hours of pilot-in-command experience. Additionally, a new cross-country checklist was introduced to monitor flight planning, requiring pilots to document their intended routes and receive authorization from staff.