What happened
On 7 August 2023, a Cessna 402, registration VP-AAK, was conducting a commercial air transport flight when the pilot decided to abort the departure and return to Anguilla Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noted a high-pitched whistling noise originating from the crew door. Although the door remained securely closed, the pilot determined that the external handle was not sitting flush and elected to land to rectify the issue.
During the approach and flare, the aircraft encountered what the pilot described as a significant downdraft or windshear. This atmospheric disturbance led to a heavy landing on both the nosewheel and the right main landing gear. The impact caused the right propeller to strike the runway surface and resulted in a structural failure of the right wing near the engine cowling.
The investigation
The investigation, based on the pilot's accident report, examined the aircraft's condition and the meteorological environment. At the time of the accident, weather observations indicated wind velocities of 14 knots from 110 degrees, with visibility exceeding 10 km. Notably, towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds were present in the area of the airfield. The pilot confirmed awareness of these clouds but had not anticipated the occurrence of windshear during the landing phase.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing and the right propeller.
- The primary cause of the heavy landing was encountering windshear or a downdraft during the flare.
- The pilot's decision to return to the airfield was prompted by an improperly seated external door handle.