What happened
On 1 August 2003, a Cessna 152, registration G-BNJD, was conducting a private flight from Prestwick Airport to Crosland Moor Aerodrome. During the approach to Runway 25, the pilot entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg. The weather conditions were favorable, with a surface wind of 240 degrees at 20 knots.
As the aircraft transitioned from the base leg to final approach, the pilot configured the flaps to 20 degrees and engaged carburetor heat. Perceiving the aircraft to be too high, the pilot reduced engine power while maintaining an airspeed of approximately 55 knots. Shortly after this adjustment, the aircraft experienced a significant increase in the rate of descent. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied full power and deactivated the carburetor heat to initiate a go-around. However, the sink rate continued to accelerate. In a final attempt to arrest the descent, the pilot retracted the flaps to 10 degrees, but the aircraft struck the ground approximately 30 metres before reaching the runway threshold. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the pilot's familiarity with the airfield and the local topography. The pilot had not previously landed at Crosland Moor and had relied on the Pooleys Flight Guide for preparation. While the guide advised landing well beyond the threshold for Runway 25, it did not explicitly warn of downdraughts. The investigation also reviewed the Jeppesen Bottlang Airfield Manual, which did contain a specific warning regarding possible downdraughts caused by a nearby quarry.
Investigators also considered the physical characteristics of the runway, noting a 2.6-degree upslope on the asphalt portion, which may have created a visual illusion regarding the aircraft's height. Furthermore, the impact of the pilot's decision to retract the flaps during the go-around attempt was analyzed.