What happened
On 31 March 2000, a DHC-2 MKIII Turbo Beaver, registration OY-JRR, was being ferried from Headcorn Airfield to Hinton-In-The-Hedges Airfield, with a scheduled stop at White Waltham Aerodrome. The flight was being conducted as a private operation.
As the pilot approached the airfield, weather conditions were noted as having visibility of 5 km in haze with light, variable winds of less than 5 knots. The pilot joined the right-hand circuit for Runway 2xy via the 'deadside', maintaining visual contact with other aircraft in the pattern. While the approach was initially considered stable, the aircraft experienced a heavy touchdown over the runway threshold. The main wheels made contact first, followed by the tailwheel. This heavy impact caused the aircraft to bounce, leading to a nose-down pitch. During this subsequent movement, the propeller tips struck the ground.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation, based on the pilot's report and telephone enquiries, examined the circumstances surrounding the landing. The pilot maintained that the approach speed was appropriate and that the aircraft was well-spaced from preceding traffic, ruling out significant turbulence as a primary factor.
Technical considerations included the aircraft's center of gravity, which was noted to be near the forward limit. The investigation also looked at the pilot's handling techniques, specifically the decision not to attempt to cushion the landing. This decision was influenced by the characteristic 'spool up' time associated with the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 turboprop engine, which differs from the response of a piston engine.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered bent propeller blades and the engine was subsequently removed for inspection.
- The forward center of gravity likely contributed to the nose-down pitch following the initial bounce.
- A potential slight tailwind component may have influenced the landing characteristics.
- The pilot's decision to avoid aggressive power adjustments was a result of managing the known engine spool-up delay.