What happened
On 24 May 2009, a Beech Baron, registration D-IBPN, was conducting a private flight from Bembridge on the Isle of Wight to Elstelle Airfield in Hertfordshire. The flight was conducted under excellent visibility conditions with light, variable winds. As the pilot approached Runway 26, they opted for a lower approach speed of approximately 90 knots due to the limited landing distance available.
During the final stages of the approach, the pilot initiated the flare and reduced engine power prematurely. This caused the aircraft to sink rapidly, resulting in a heavy touchdown just before the runway threshold. Immediately following the impact, the aircraft began to vibrate and veer toward the right side of the runway. Despite the pilot applying full left rudder, the aircraft continued its excursion, leaving the paved surface and running onto the grass.
As the aircraft decelerated on the grass, the right landing gear leg collapsed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to swing further to the right, leading to the right engine stopping after the propeller struck the ground. Subsequently, the nose landing gear also collapsed before the aircraft came to a complete stop. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight path, the pilot's actions during the flare, and the physical damage to the aircraft. Investigators noted that the aircraft was carrying 160 gallons of fuel, which contributed to the increased sink rate during the early flare.
Evidence was also reviewed regarding the cause of the initial veer. While the pilot was unsure why the aircraft began to drift right, propeller marks found on the runway suggested that the right propeller may have made contact with the ground first, potentially initiating the directional instability.
Findings
- The pilot initiated the flare and reduced power too early in the landing sequence.
- The high fuel load on board contributed to a significant sink rate that the pilot could not arrest with insufficient power.
- The heavy touchdown caused the aircraft to veer right and eventually led to the collapse of the right landing gear and the nose gear.