Introduction
On 13 July 2011 at 0148 UTC, a BN2T Islander (registration G-BSWR) operated by an unspecified commercial air transport company on a non-revenue flight was involved in an accident during landing at Belfast International Airport, Northern Ireland. The aircraft sustained damage to the starboard propeller blade, nose cone, and fuselage. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured.
Flight History
The aircraft had completed a 2-hour 30-minute operation northwest of the airport and was returning to land on Runway 07. It was the pilot's second flight of the night; the first had ended with a landing on Runway 25 at 2115 hrs. Weather conditions were CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) at the airfield, with surface wind from 090° at 5 kt and high level overcast cloud. A Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) clearance was issued by ATC, and the aircraft was positioned for an approach to Runway 07.
Runway 07 is equipped with a VOR non-precision approach, with an inbound course offset 16° from the runway centreline. The approach lighting system includes centreline lights with a single crossbar located 439 m before the runway threshold. The threshold is marked with high-intensity green lights and wingbars. Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs), set at 3°, are located to the left of the runway.
The pilot acquired visual contact with the runway at 2–3 nm and used the PAPIs to confirm the 3° glidepath. He subsequently descended below the 3° approach path, informing ATC of this action. His intention was to land visually, touching down at the runway threshold.
After touchdown, the pilot and passengers heard a number of dull thuds. The aircraft decelerated normally, and the pilot taxied to the parking area, where he shut down the engines. The occupants discussed the sounds, initially suspecting contact with an animal. Upon external inspection, the pilot found grass on the underside and damage to the starboard fuselage. He then called ATC to report possible contact with the approach lights.
A runway inspection vehicle found damage to the last three centreline approach lights. Tyre marks were discovered in the grass starting 80 m short of the paved surface, which is 125 m short of the displaced runway threshold.
Damage
The aircraft sustained significant damage: the starboard propeller blade was damaged; the engine required inspection for possible shock loading; the nose cone showed impact damage; and the starboard fuselage had scratching, denting, and a puncture hole. Several other holes were found in the aircraft's skin.
Discussion
The pilot believed the approach and landing were normal. He had descended below the 3° glidepath with the aim of landing at the threshold, possibly to minimise taxi time or as a habitual practice. He remained unaware of any abnormality until after shutting down the engines.
The pilot subsequently considered that the single crossbar of the approach lights may have merged with the green threshold lights, leading him to aim his touchdown just beyond the crossbar. Other possible factors included the very dark night with high overcast cloud and the final approach for Runway 07 being over an area with little cultural lighting, reducing visual cues.
The operator has advised its pilots that the PAPIs must be used for approaches at night when available.