What happened
On April 23, 2022, at approximately 13:05 JST, a Scheibe SF25C motor glider, registration JA01KT, was performing touch-and-go training at Fukui Airport. The flight was operated by the Tokai/Kansai Student Aviation League with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board. During the approach to Runway 18, the student pilot was initially in control. However, as the aircraft turned onto final approach, the wind shifted from a south wind to a north wind, creating a tailwind component.
In response to the shifting wind, the instructor took control of the aircraft with the intention of performing a go-around. Shortly after the takeover, radio reports indicated a wind from 270° at 5 knots. The instructor proceeded with the landing approach using a wing-low method to manage the crosswind. During the flare at roughly 5 meters above the ground, the aircraft's descent angle became shallow, causing it to float over the runway. As the aircraft reached approximately 1 meter above the surface, it sank rapidly and struck the runway with significant force on the right main wheel. The impact caused the tips of the propeller blades and the right main wheel cover to contact the runway surface. No injuries were reported, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and landing gear strut.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined meteorological data from the airport's anemometer and windsock, as well as radio communications from Fukui Radio. The investigation focused on the discrepancy between the reported wind and the actual wind conditions at the moment of touchdown. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight path and the mechanical impact on the landing gear and propeller. The investigation also reviewed the reporting criteria used by air traffic control facilities, specifically how two-minute averages for wind velocity and direction are communicated to pilots.