What happened
On 9 March 2003, a Grob G115E Tutor, registration G-BYWB, was performing a training flight at Colerne Airfield in Wiltshire. During the approach to Runway 19 for a planned touch-and-go maneuver, the aircraft encountered significant wind conditions, with a surface wind recorded at 210 degrees at 25 knots, gusting up to 37 knots.
As the aircraft touched down, it landed heavily on the main landing gear, causing the nosewheel to pitch forward. Despite the impact, the pilot applied power and successfully completed the touch-and-go, proceeding to land on the subsequent approach as intended. No injuries were sustained by the crew or the passenger on board.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft conducted three days after the event revealed scrape damage on two of the three propeller blades. The investigation established that the engine had been shockloaded as a result of the landing impact. Following this discovery, the engine was replaced.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in wind gusts of 37 knots, which exceeded the RAF's established crosswind limit of 25 knots for the Grob G115E Tutor.
- The heavy landing caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto the nosewheel.
- The impact resulted in propeller tip damage and subsequent engine shockloading.