What happened
On 26 June 2009, a Gemini Flash II, registration G-MNWI, was involved in an accident at Ardgowan Airfield in Ayrshire, Scotland. The flight, a private operation, began at approximately 1730 hrs when the pilot departed from the grass edge of the runway. Following an hour of local flight, the pilot returned to the airfield to evaluate changing wind conditions.
During the return, the pilot attempted a cross-runway landing to minimize the impact of a right-hand crosswind. After a normal touchdown, the pilot turned left to vacate the runway. During this taxiing maneuver, a sudden, powerful gust of wind struck the aircraft from the right. This gust lifted the right wing tip, and despite the pilot's efforts to counter the lift, the left wing struck the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to tip onto its left side, resulting in the folding of the wings and damage to the propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and both occupants were able to exit the aircraft unassisted.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wind conditions and the pilot's maneuvers. At the time of departure, winds were recorded between 040° and 060° at 8 knots, gusting to 12 knots. However, measurements taken following the accident indicated a significant shift, with winds from 040° at 10 knots and gusts reaching 20 knots, alongside a large wind veer of 80° to 120°.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a strong gust of wind from the right that lifted the right wing tip during the taxiing turn.
- The pilot attempted to prevent the upwind wing from rising by steering into the wind upon touchdown.
- The pilot noted that the rapid and significant change in wind direction and strength was unusual for the period.
- The pilot reflected that, in hindsight, the aircraft should have remained facing into the wind until assistance was available to move it.