What happened
On 23 June 2001, a Cessna 182S, registration G-WHDP, was performing a private flight from Elstree to RAF St Mawgan with four occupants. During the landing phase on Runway 31, the aircraft touched down slightly left of the runway centreline. Following touchdown, the aircraft maintained a higher than normal speed and began to veer toward the right side of the runway.
In an attempt to regain control or perhaps execute a go-around, the pilot applied full power. This caused the aircraft to enter a tight, skidding turn to the left, eventually striking a runway edge light. The aircraft then became airborne for a short distance, crossing an access road before impacting the ground with a nose-down attitude. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire. While the three passengers escaped with injuries, the pilot sustained severe burns and died nine days later.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, the movements of a nearby Sea King helicopter, and the environmental factors at the airfield. Investigators found that the aircraft's throttle was in the fully open position and the flaps were retracted, suggesting an attempt to transition into a go-around. The investigation also looked into whether the rotor downwash from a Sea King helicopter, which was performing a hover taxi nearby, contributed to the loss of control.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the throttle friction nut was tightened to such an extent that moving the throttle required significant effort. Additionally, the investigation noted that the Sea King crew was unaware of the Cessna's approach, as they were focused on pre-taxi procedures and had lowered their radio volumes.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during an attempt to carry out a go-around.
- The pilot's attempt to expedite runway clearance or resolve control difficulties led to high ground speeds and improper power applications.
- Evidence indicated that the rotor downwash from the Sea King helicopter did not cause the aircraft to veer off the runway, though it may have contributed to control difficulties once the aircraft became airborne.
- The pilot's ability to close the throttle was severely hindered by the high tension on the throttle friction nut.