What happened
On June 5, 2022, a private Piper PA-28-140, registration OY-FRC, was performing a VFR flight from a private airfield on Langeland to Anholt (EKAT). During the landing on runway 2/21, the pilot executed an unintended hard landing that caused the aircraft to bounce. The pilot subsequently aborted the landing and applied full power to perform a go-around.
During the climb, the pilot noticed performance irregularities, specifically that the engine could not reach full power, peaking at 2300 rpm instead of the expected 2500 rpm. Additionally, the pilot found the rudder pedals more difficult to operate. Despite being aware of the potential damage caused by the hard landing, the pilot decided to proceed to Randers (EKRD).
While in contact with Aarhus Approach, the pilot reported the situation. Air traffic controllers suggested a flyover of Aarhus (EKAH) so that the tower could visually assess the aircraft's landing gear. The pilot agreed and landed at EKAH without further incident. However, during taxiing, the pilot discovered that the nosewheel could no longer be steered using the rudder pedals.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition and the pilot's decision-making process. A post-flight inspection at EKAH, conducted in consultation with a certified mechanic, revealed several areas of damage, including:
- Damage to the propeller blade tips
- Damage to the engine and nosewheel landing gear mounts
- Deformations in the firewall
- A bent nosewheel strut
- Damage to the nosewheel fairing
- A structural hole in the underside of the fuselage behind the nosewheel
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event.
Findings
- The hard landing at EKAT caused immediate mechanical issues, including reduced engine power and impaired rudder control.
- The pilot's decision-making was likely influenced by the lack of repair facilities at Anholt and the fact that the aircraft's primary maintenance base was located in Randers.
- The decision to continue the flight increased the risk of a more serious subsequent event and reduced overall flight safety.
- The pilot's risk assessment failed to account for the potential for latent structural damage and the hazards of flying a compromised aircraft over a significant distance of water.