What happened
On 4 April 2003, a Cessna FR172G Skyhawk, registration D-EKKO, was performing a private flight landing at Kemble, Gloucestershire. The approach was conducted on Runway 08 with 20° of flaps extended, facing a wind from 360° at 13 knots. The pilot maintained the centerline and wing level during the approach, using rudder and aileron inputs to counteract drift and keep the wings level just prior to touchdown.
While the initial landing was uneventful, approximately 30 yards into the landing roll, the aircraft yawed to the right, causing the left wing to rise until the right wing tip grazed the runway surface. Fearing a potential cartwheel, the pilot reacted with significant left aileron input and potentially aft elevator movement. This caused the nose to pitch up and the aircraft to become airborne a second time. Upon pushing the control yoke forward to descend, the aircraft touched down in a nose-down, wings-level attitude, resulting in the propeller striking the runway.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's handling characteristics, and the pilot's manual inputs. The investigation noted that the aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook specifies a maximum demonstrated crosswind of 15 knots for this model. Additionally, the handbook advises that during landings in strong crosswinds, pilots should utilize the minimum flap setting necessary for the available field length.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained a deformed propeller and engine shock loading.
- The right wing tip sustained slight grazing damage.
- The pilot's instinctive reaction to the aircraft's yaw and wing lift led to a secondary, nose-down touchdown.