Accident Overview
On 7 August 2023 at 1757 UTC, a Cessna 402 (registration VP-AAK, serial number C402B) operated as a commercial air transport flight with only the pilot on board experienced a heavy landing at Anguilla Airport, Anguilla. The aircraft sustained damage to the right propeller and right wing. The pilot reported no injuries.
Sequence of Events
After departure, the pilot heard a “high pitched whistling sound” coming from the crew door. He determined that the sound originated from the external handle not sitting flush, although the door was securely closed. The pilot decided to return to the airfield to restow the handle.
As the aircraft approached the flare, it encountered what the pilot described as a “strong windshear/downdraft”. This resulted in a heavy landing on the nosewheel and right main landing gear. The impact caused the right propeller to strike the ground and the right wing failed adjacent to the engine cowling.
The pilot was able to steer the aircraft to the edge of the runway and vacate the cockpit without assistance.
Weather Conditions
The reported weather at 1800 UTC, three minutes after the accident, recorded wind velocity of 110° at 14 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, and towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds in the vicinity of the airfield. The pilot was aware of the cumuliform clouds but had not expected them to cause windshear and was unable to prevent the heavy landing.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Cessna 402, manufactured in 1974, was powered by two Continental TSIO-520-EB engines. The pilot, aged 52, held a Commercial Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 5,747 hours, including 1,911 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 110 hours, with 34 hours in the last 28 days.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the right propeller and right wing. No other damage was reported.