History of the Flight
On 23 February 2017, a Let L-410 UVP-E (registration OK-LAZ) operated a commercial passenger flight from Isle of Man (Ronaldsway) Airport to Belfast City Airport. The crew consisted of two pilots and three passengers. The aircraft departed at 0823 hrs after initially delaying due to high winds at Isle of Man. The surface wind at departure was from 290° at 21 kt gusting to 41 kt, within the operator's ground operation limit of 45 kt.
En route to Belfast City, the crew received weather updates indicating strong crosswinds. An approach to Runway 04 was attempted but a go-around was initiated at approximately 20 ft due to turbulence destabilizing the aircraft. The crew then decided to return to Isle of Man.
Approach and Landing at Isle of Man
During the return, the crew was advised of increasing winds. At 0912 hrs, the wind was reported as 310° at 41 kt gusting between 22 and 53 kt. The crew accepted radar vectoring for an ILS approach to Runway 26. At 0924 hrs, ATC cleared the aircraft to land with wind 300° at 41 kt gusting 31-63 kt. During the approach, multiple glideslope cautions were annunciated and the PF responded with corrections.
The final wind check approximately 35 seconds before touchdown was 300° at 48 kt gusting 32-63 kt, creating a crosswind component of 40 kt. As the aircraft crossed the threshold, witnesses observed it rolling considerably, with the left wingtip appearing close to the runway. After touchdown, the right main wheel lifted off the ground and the left wingtip was estimated to be within one metre of the runway surface. The commander later stated he believed all wheels remained on the ground and that the aircraft responded to aileron control.
Relevant Operational Limits
The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the Let L-410 is 19.4 kt, as per the Airplane Flight Manual. However, the aircraft operator did not apply a limiting crosswind component to its operations. The only wind limit used by the crew was 45 kt for ground operations. The operator has since amended its Operations Manual regarding crosswind operations, and a Safety Recommendation was made to review operational processes, training, and guidance.
Aftermath
No injuries to crew or passengers were reported, and no damage to the aircraft occurred. The operator and relevant authorities took safety actions to address crosswind procedures.