What happened
On 30 May 2006, a Cessna 182P aircraft, registration G-BBGX, was conducting a private flight at Shobdon Aerodrome in Herefordshire. Prior to the flight, the pilot had checked the local weather, noting a reported north to north-westerly surface wind of approximately 10 kt.
Upon arrival at the aerodrome, the pilot performed an overhead join for Runway 27. During the final approach, with flaps set to 30, the aircraft encountered a significant gust of wind. This windshear caused the aircraft to become airborne a second time. Although the pilot managed to re-establish a stable approach and achieved a centered touchdown, the aircraft subsequently bounced.
In response to the bounce, the pilot applied full power in an attempt to execute a go-around. However, the aircraft failed to accelerate effectively. As the pilot began retracting the flaps to reduce drag, the aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway. The aircraft exited the runway at the aerodrome boundary, traveling into a field of crops where it completed a 180-degree turn before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the weather conditions, and eyewitness accounts. A witness at the scene observed the engine power being applied during the incident but noted the right wing rising before the aircraft departed the runway. The witness also estimated the surface winds to be north to north-westerly at 12 to 15 kt, with gusts reaching 20 kt. The investigation confirmed that the pilot had experienced a strong gust of wind during the landing phase.