What happened
A private flight traveling from Lübeck-Blankensee, Germany, to Norrtelje/Mellingeholm airport resulted in an aircraft excursion following a landing error. While approaching the airfield, the pilot selected runway 25, operating under the assumption provided by GPS data that winds would be light and variable. However, meteorological analysis indicated an east-northeast wind of 10–15 knots, meaning the aircraft was actually performing a tailwind approach.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft's nosewheel made contact with the runway first due to a lack of proper flare. This resulted in a hard, bouncing landing. In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot applied full throttle, which triggered a heavy leftward yaw. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway, traveling through shrubbery outside the runway strip. The impact with the terrain caused the propeller and landing gear to detach, after which the aircraft skidded and spun clockwise before coming to a halt.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding runway selection and the physical mechanics of the landing. Investigators noted that the pilot's experience was primarily limited to airports with active air traffic services, which likely influenced the lack of adequate reconnaissance of the local airfield conditions. Additionally, the investigation examined the runway's physical characteristics, noting an elevation difference between the threshold ends of runway 25 that creates an upslope at the start of the runway.
Findings
The investigation identified several contributing factors to the accident. The primary issue was the selection of a tailwind approach due to inaccurate wind assumptions. The lack of sufficient reconnaissance of the airport environment contributed to the pilot misjudging the touchdown and flare.
Regarding the failed go-around, the investigation highlighted that the application of high engine power, combined with P-factor and slipstream effects, created a significant yawing moment that the pilot failed to compensate for with sufficient rudder input. The aircraft's inability to climb after hitting the shrubbery may have been caused by a combination of reduced power to counter the yaw, heavy side forces, or an angle of attack so high that drag exceeded available thrust.