What happened
On 17 April 2015, a Fournier RF4D, registration G-BHJN, was completing a short 15-minute local flight when it encountered significant weather challenges while returning to Enstone Airfield. The pilot noted that a north-easterly wind had intensified since departure, creating severe turbulence caused by trees located on the airfield's northern perimeter.
Following two unsuccessful go-around attempts, the pilot initiated a third landing attempt, deploying full spoiler at approximately 100 ft. During the flare, the aircraft's stall warning light activated. The subsequent landing was heavy, causing the aircraft to bounce. This impact resulted in the destruction of the landing gear monowheel and damage to the propeller blades, wing, and fuselage. The aircraft skidded to a stop, after which the pilot shut down the running engine and exited the cockpit.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the environmental conditions at the time of the accident and the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the landing phase. The investigation established that the pilot experienced intense turbulence and that the aircraft's stall warning light illuminated during the final approach/flare.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to execute a go-around following the aircraft's bounce.
- Severe turbulence, generated by wind interacting with perimeter trees, significantly complicated the landing.
- The heavy impact and subsequent bounce led to the structural failure of the landing gear mounting and damage to the propeller, wing, and fuselage.