What happened
On 7 April 1999, a Glasair SH-TD-1, registration G-BUHS, was conducting a private flight from Inverness to Tingwall Airport in the Shetland Islands. The flight proceeded without incident until the aircraft was approximately seven miles from the airfield. Upon contacting the tower, the pilot received weather updates indicating a surface wind of 315 degrees at 10 knots and a QFE of 1006 mb.
While attempting an approach to Runway 02, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway. During the late stages of the approach, the aircraft made contact with the gravel surface adjacent to the runway. The initial impact occurred on the nosewheel, which resulted in the breaking of the nosewheel leg. Following this impact, the aircraft slid along the ground until it came to a halt on its main wheels. There were no injuries to the two occupants, who exited the aircraft via the canopy without difficulty.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach and the pilot's handling of the aircraft. The investigation established that the aircraft's flight path had descended below the intended approach profile. This descent, combined with a reduction in airspeed, significantly hindered the pilot's ability to maintain visual contact with the runway surface and accurately judge the landing parameters.