Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, a Cessna U206G Stationair (registration G-BSUE), was manufactured in 1978 and powered by a single Continental Motors Corp IO-520-F piston engine. The commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence and was 39 years old with a total flying experience of 97 hours, including 9 hours on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 35 hours, with 11 hours in the last 28 days. There were five passengers on board, bringing the total occupants to six.
Flight Narrative
On 28 July 2009 at 1650 UTC, the aircraft departed Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, for a local sightseeing flight. Weather conditions were good, though a strong westerly wind was described as “gusty at times”. After takeoff, the pilot noticed that the aircraft “was not gaining speed as it normally did”. Witnesses observed a higher nose-up attitude than normal. The pilot lowered the nose, and the aircraft accelerated, but he felt that more power than usual was required. He then decided to land back at Elstree.
On final approach, close to the threshold, the aircraft suddenly dropped. The pilot applied power to minimize an impending bounce but, as he did so, the aircraft yawed violently to the left and struck the ground. The aircraft stopped quickly, and the pilot and five passengers exited normally, uninjured. There was no fire. Damage was sustained to the landing gear, both wings, and the propeller.
Pilot Observations
The pilot considered that, being heavier than usual, the aircraft stalled at a higher speed than he expected, although he did not recall hearing the stall warning horn. He thought the sudden yaw to the left may have been because his front seat passenger, alarmed by the sudden descent, inadvertently applied pressure on the left rudder pedal.