What happened
On 10 August 2003, a Gulfstream AA-5A Cheetah, registration G-BIVV, was performing a training flight at Blackbushe Airport in Surrey. During the approach to Runway 08, the student pilot encountered a 10-knot crosswind. As the aircraft entered the flare, it experienced a significant drift toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently floated and made a heavy landing that resulted in a bounce.
Following the heavy touchdown, a decision was made to execute a go-around. Upon the application of full power, the leftward drift intensified. Despite attempts to correct the deviation using right rudder, the aircraft moved away from the runway centerline. During the climb, the aircraft struck the top of a tree, causing a loss of airspeed. The aircraft then impacted the ground in an upright, wings-level position on a disused runway. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the aircraft's behavior during the transition from landing to go-around. Witnesses observed the aircraft experiencing multiple bounces along the runway, noting considerable lateral instability and a high angle of attack prior to the collision with the tree. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience level, noting the commander was a student pilot with 35 total flying hours.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered damage to its propeller, landing gear, and wing.
- The application of full power during the go-around exacerbated the existing leftward drift caused by the crosswind.
- The pilot was unable to maintain the runway centerline using available rudder authority.