What happened
On 1 December 2020, an Ikarus C42 FB100 Bravo, registration G-OSPH, was conducting a private cross-country flight from Blackbushe to Chilbolton Airfield in Hampshire. While the pilot typically operates the aircraft from the left seat, on this occasion, the commander elected to fly from the right seat while accompanied by an experienced passenger.
During the approach and landing phase, at an altitude of approximately 5 to 10 feet, the pilot perceived that the aircraft was descending at a higher rate than desired. In an attempt to correct this descent, the pilot instinctively moved the control column forward. This action, rather than adjusting the throttle, resulted in a hard landing that caused the landing gear to collapse. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the cockpit configuration of the Ikarus C42, noting that the control column is mounted on a central console, while the two throttle levers are located on the floor between the seats. The investigation established that because the pilot was occupying the right seat, his hand positions for the controls were transposed compared to his usual left-seat operation. Specifically, his left hand was positioned on the control column and his right hand on the throttle.
Findings
- The pilot's familiarity with the aircraft and the routine nature of the flight led to an underestimation of the risks associated with changing his seated position.
- The pilot's subconscious muscle memory caused him to move the control column forward instead of adjusting the throttle when attempting to correct the descent rate.
- The low altitude at the time of the error left insufficient time to recognize and rectify the incorrect control input.