What happened
On 7 June 2003, a Gulfstream American GA-7 Cougar, registration G-HIRE, was conducting a training flight at Andrewsfield, Essex, for the purpose of renewing a single-pilot multi-engine aircraft rating. The flight involved two crew members, including an instructor. After completing upper air training exercises and two successful circuits, the aircraft prepared for a third approach.
Prior to the final circuit, the instructor advised the handling pilot regarding the necessary approach speed. While the initial phase of the approach was flown at the correct velocity, the aircraft's speed decreased as it approached the runway. As the aircraft crossed the threshold, the pilot applied back pressure on the control column. This action triggered the stall warning horn, followed by a drop in the right wing. The aircraft subsequently made a very heavy touchdown on the right main landing gear.
Following the landing, the aircraft exited the runway and taxied to its parking spot. The crew members disembarked without injury, though the extent of the damage was not immediately apparent to the instructor until the aircraft had come to a complete stop.
The investigation
An investigation was initiated following the submission of an accident report by the pilot. The examination focused on the flight parameters during the final approach and the physical state of the aircraft upon landing. The investigation looked into the sequence of events leading from the approach speed reduction to the wing drop and subsequent impact.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right-hand propeller, spinner, and associated spinner plates.
- The right-hand engine suffered a shock load.
- The right-hand main landing gear and the right-hand flap and upper wing sustained damage.
- The primary cause of the incident was an accelerated stall and wing drop resulting from a low threshold speed combined with a sharp nose-up attitude during the landing flare.