What happened
On 30 June 2015, a modified Piel CP301 Emeraude, registration G-BCCR, was conducting a private flight from Derby to Leicester Airport. While operating in the circuit for Runway 10, the pilot encountered thermal activity at approximately 200 ft. This caused the aircraft to rise above its intended descent profile, leading the pilot to initiate a go-around.
Seeking to avoid further turbulence, the pilot considered using Runway 15; however, due to existing traffic on the Runway 10 final and circuit, the pilot elected to remain on the original approach to prevent potential conflicts. The second approach proceeded normally along the centerline without observed thermal activity. However, as the aircraft entered the flare with the engine at idle, it experienced a sudden increase in altitude. As the airspeed dropped rapidly, the aircraft began to sink. The pilot applied full power in an attempt to correct the descent, but the aircraft struck the runway with significant force. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse, forcing the aircraft to swing left and depart the paved surface, eventually coming to rest in the grass after rotating nearly 180 degrees.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the flare and the mechanical impact on the airframe. The inspection revealed that the engine had been shock-loaded during the event. Damage was noted to the propeller, the left lower wing, the fuselage, the wing spar, and the left landing gear.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden increase in height during the flare.
- The pilot noted that this altitude gain may have been caused by an updraught or by applying excessive aft control column movement.
- The rapid decay in airspeed led to a heavy landing that the pilot could not recover from despite applying full power.