What happened
During the approach to runway 24, the flightcrew was managing an aircraft in conditions where gusty winds were predicted from the surface through higher altitudes. As the aircraft was approximately four miles from the destination, the co-pilot was operating the controls and had configured the plane for landing. Throughout the approach, the crew received updated wind data, with the final report indicating winds of 25 knots from 310°.
While the aircraft was performing the landing flare, a sudden wind gust caused the plane to lift into a nose-down attitude. Once the gust subsided, the aircraft descended rapidly, resulting in a hard landing on the runway. The impact caused significant structural damage, including a crack in the fuselage near the wing attachment points and a 7° downward bend in the aft section of the fuselage.
Findings
- The landing occurred at an approach speed of v ref + 10.
- A sudden wind gust during the flare phase caused a change in pitch and a subsequent heavy impact.
- The accident resulted in two serious injuries to passengers.