What happened
On 22 June 2002, a Beagle B121 Series 2, registration G-AZFA, was conducting a training flight at Sandown, Isle of Wight. The pilot intended to perform practice precision landings on runway 23. Following two successful touch-and-go maneuvers under wind conditions of 230°-245° at 10 knots (gusting 15 knots), the aircraft commenced a third approach.
As the aircraft cleared nearby trees on final approach, the stall warning system emitted a single alert. During the flare phase of the landing, the aircraft experienced an instantaneous loss of lift, resulting in a heavy touchdown. The impact caused the aircraft to travel forward briefly before the nose dropped. The pilot successfully shut down the engine and followed emergency procedures, allowing the crew and one passenger to evacuate without none injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and identified several points of structural failure. The impact caused the nose wheel to detach from the airframe. Additionally, the propeller tips were bent backward following contact with the runway, and the spinner was found to be broken. The undersides of the engine cowlings sustained dents, and structural distortion was noted in the area beneath the pilot's seat.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of lift during the landing flare.
- The pilot did not experience any airframe buffet or recall a secondary stall warning.
- A wind shift or downdraft was identified as the likely cause of the sudden loss of lift during the approach.