What happened
On 8 December 2009, a Grob G115E Tutor, registration G-BYUW, was conducting a training flight at Peterborough (Conington) Airfield. The flight proceeded without incident until the student pilot initiated a glide approach toward Runway 28.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a significant vibration throughout the airframe. Fearing a loss of control, the instructor took command and applied full engine power to execute a go-around. During the subsequent pitch-up, the aircraft rolled to the right, and the instructor noted a sluggish response to left aileron inputs. The aircraft then experienced a slow yaw to the left, causing the left wing to strike the runway. This was followed by contact from the left main landing gear and then the right mainwheel, eventually leading the aircraft to depart the runway surface to the right, where it came to a halt. There was no fire following the event, and both the instructor and student pilot exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the airframe vibrations and the aircraft's handling characteristics during the aborted takeoff. A technical examination of the Grob G115E Tutor was conducted to identify any mechanical failures or control defects. The inspection found no evidence of pre-existing issues with the flying controls or the airframe structure.
Findings
- The investigation established that the nosewheel shimmy was the source of the airframe vibrations experienced during the landing.
- The aircraft's departure from the runway was driven by the loss of directional control following the wing strike.