What happened
On 31 January 2002, a CASA 1-131E Series 1000, registration G-BUCC, was conducting a private flight at Goodwood Aerodrome. The mission involved performing local circuits and practicing forced landings. While the initial departure encountered a 10-knot south-westerly wind, conditions had intensified to approximately 18 knots by the time the aircraft returned to the airfield.
During the final circuit, the pilot climbed to 1,200 feet and reduced power to idle on the downwind leg for Runway 24. The approach initially maintained an appropriate airspeed, descent rate, and angle. However, as the aircraft reached roughly 50 to 60 feet above the runway, it experienced a sudden and significant increase in the rate of sink. The pilot attempted to compensate by applying full power, but the aircraft ultimately made a hard landing recorded at 4g. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce, leading the pilot to initiate a go-around. Following the landing, an inspection revealed that the landing wires on the port wing appeared bent and stretched, and the airframe had sustained distortion.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight sequence and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The pilot noted that the wind direction likely caused airflow disturbances over the runway due to the proximity of nearby hangars. Furthermore, it was established that other pilots and instructors operating at the aerodrome that morning had also encountered similar windshear conditions.