What happened
On 20 January 2016, a Cirrus SR20, registration G-GCDC, was performing a series of touch-and-go landings at Swansea Airport. During the pre-flight phase, the pilot discovered that his kneeboard had inadvertently bumped the autopilot control panel, engaging the heading mode. Although the pilot adjusted the kneeboard position, the flight proceeded with several successful circuits.
During the final touch-and-go on Runway 10, the aircraft experienced a drift to the left. The aircraft bounced on its left main landing gear, and the left wingtip made contact with the runway. In an attempt to continue the landing, the pilot applied full power. This application of power, combined with the propeller slipstream effect, caused the aircraft to yaw and roll sharply to the left. The aircraft subsequently lost control, the nosewheel detached upon striking a grass verge, and the propeller struck the ground. The aircraft slid across the apron before colliding with a parked Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, registration G-BLWP.
All occupants of the G-GCDC escaped without injury.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the loss of control. While the aircraft's flight data recorder had not been updated since 2013, electronic flight displays provided some engine and position data. The investigation focused on the possibility of the autopilot being engaged during the critical phase of the landing. Post-accident examination of the G-GCDC revealed that the roll trim was set to the left, a setting the pilot did not command.
Findings
- The accident was likely caused by a combination of gusting winds from the right, a bounced landing with a wingtip strike, the application of full power during the touch-and-go, and the potential inadvertent engagement of the autopilot.
- The pilot's kneeboard had previously been shown to be capable of engaging the autopilot heading mode during pre-flight checks.
- The application of full power increased the leftward yaw due to propeller slipstream effects.
- There was no definitive evidence to confirm if the autopilot was active during the excursion, though the left roll trim setting suggested autopilot intervention.