Cessna 172 Excursion at Cumbernauld Airport

Casualties unknown • Cumbernauld Airfield, Glasgow, GB

A private flight involving a Cessna 172M ended in a runway excursion and nose-over at Cumbernauld Airport following windshear and a subsequent loss of directional control.

What happened

On 1 June 2002, a Cessna F172M, registration G-BAVB, was conducting a private flight from Sywell, Northamptonshire, to Cumbernauld Airport near Glasgow. The flight proceeded without incident until the arrival phase. During the approach to Runway 26, the aircraft encountered turbulence and a period of windshear, which caused the aircraft to lose altitude. Although the pilot successfully corrected the sink rate, the aircraft touched down to the left of the runway centerline at a speed higher than usual.

Following touchdown, the pilot attempted to use into-wind aileron and braking to maintain control. During this process, the right wing lifted and the right wheel departed the ground, causing the aircraft to veer sharply toward the left edge of the runway. In an attempt to recover, the pilot applied power to initiate a go-around; however, the aircraft drifted onto the grass area. As the aircraft failed to reach takeoff speed, the pilot reduced power to stop on the grass. During the deceleration, the nosewheel sank into the soft ground, causing the aircraft to tip onto its nose before sliding to a halt and returning to its upright position.

The investigation

The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events from the initial approach through to the loss of control on the runway surface. The inspection confirmed that all three occupants, including the pilot and two passengers, were wearing their safety harnesses at the time of the event. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine mount, the rear fuselage, and the left wing.

Findings

  • The aircraft encountered windshear during the final approach, which contributed to a high-speed touchdown.
  • The loss of directional control was triggered by the lifting of the right wing and the subsequent departure of the right wheel from the runway surface.
  • There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers.
  • The nose-over occurred because the nosewheel sank into the earth while the aircraft was on the grass.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a high-speed touchdown due to windshear, which led to a loss of directional control and a subsequent excursion onto the grass where the nosewheel became embedded in the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-01 CESSNA F172M accident near Cumbernauld Airfield, Glasgow, GB?

A private flight involving a Cessna 172M ended in a runway excursion and nose-over at Cumbernauld Airport following windshear and a subsequent loss of directional control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-01 involved a CESSNA F172M, registration G-BAVB, at Cumbernauld Airfield, Glasgow, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a high-speed touchdown due to windshear, which led to a loss of directional control and a subsequent excursion onto the grass where the nosewheel became embedded in the ground.

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